By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

This year, Town of Cazenovia Assessor Brian Fitts is spreading the word that Cazenovia area property owners ages 65 and older may be eligible for certain property tax exemptions.

The most common exemption program for seniors is the Enhanced New York State School Tax Relief Program (STAR), which provides an increased benefit for homeowners 65 and older whose total household income is $90,550 or less.

According to Fitts, the exemption STAR offers relief on school taxes either by an exemption (a reduced tax bill) or a credit sent in the form of a check.

To learn more about the Enhanced STAR requirements, visit tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/eligibility.htm.

Lower income senior citizens who receive Enhanced STAR benefits may also be eligible to receive additional relief for all taxing jurisdictions (school, village, town and county) through the Aged/Senior Citizens exemption.

According to the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance website, local governments and school districts in the state can opt to grant a reduction on the amount of property taxes paid by qualifying senior citizens by reducing the taxable assessment of the senior’s home by as much as 50 percent.

To qualify, seniors must be 65 years of age or older and meet certain income limitations and other requirements.

Each taxing jurisdiction is permitted to set the maximum income limit for the 50 percent exemption at any figure between $3,000 and $29,000.

Additionally, localities have the option of giving exemptions of less than 50 percent to seniors whose incomes are more than $29,000.

According to Fitts, the Madison County income limit is $25,500; the Town of Cazenovia limit is $25,000; the Cazenovia Central School District limit is $25,000; and the Village of Cazenovia limit is $31,500.

“For example, a village resident with an income of $30,000 would qualify for the exemption in the village but none of the other entities,” Fitts explained. “Another example, a village resident with an income of $15,000 would receive a 50 percent exemption for all taxing jurisdictions.”

To apply or reapply for the Senior Citizens exemption, visit tax.ny.gov/pit/property/exemption/seniorexempt.htm.

The deadline for submitting exemption applications is March 1.

“These exemption programs are designed to assist those in need,” said Fitts. “The STAR exemption/credit program usually gets a lot of attention on a yearly basis, so most property owners are aware of it, but the Aged or Senior Citizen exemption often gets overlooked because it affects a smaller population of the community. I do the best I can to make property owners aware of this program when I’m speaking with them one-on-one. The town/county tax bill offers a small mention of the Aged exemption on the back of the bill, but how many property owners read the back of their bill? “

According to Fitts, a notice has also been posted on the town website to bring attention to the programs.

“My feeling is that anyone who is eligible for an exemption should take advantage of that opportunity,” he added. “One of my roles is to assist them with the process.”

Questions regarding exemption eligibility can be directed to Fitts at 315-655-9213 ext. 2.