WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From Don Hughes. September 28, 2008: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Commissioner Robert Megna announced today that the Department will begin to mail Middle Class STAR rebate checks the week of October 20th to New York homeowners in White Plains who qualify for the 2008 Middle Class STAR Rebate Program, and you don't have to apply for the checks this year if you received them last year.
Unlike 2007, most homeowners will not have to apply for this year's rebate. If a household's 2008 property information remains unchanged from 2007, no reapplication is necessary. These homeowners will get their checks automatically.
Property owners who did not apply in 2007, and homeowners whose property information changed during the past year, will have to apply. Applications to these households will also be mailed automatically beginning September 29.
Residents can access the Tax Department's website at www.nystax.gov to find out when their checks will be mailed and the amount of the rebate they will receive. Information for senior citizens getting the Enhanced STAR rebate, and information for homeowners who need to apply for the 2008 program, can also be found on the website.
The maximum benefit for those receiving the Basic STAR rebate goes to upstate homeowners earning $90,000 or less, and New York City metropolitan region homeowners earning $120,000 or less. The benefit diminishes until a homeowner's income reaches $250,000. Taxpayers earning over $250,000
are not eligible for the rebate, but continue to receive the STAR exemption on their school tax bills.
This year, rebates for Basic STAR recipients are subject to offset for debts owed to New York State agencies, the Internal Revenue Services, and certain other states.
Mailing date the week of: October 20
Combined incomes and cooresponding rebate amounts:
Up to $120,000 == $1,035.76
Over $120,000 - $175,000 == $776.82
Over $175,000 - $250,000 == $517.88
Over $250,000 == $0
Enhanced == $1,180.43
