Exemption Information & Forms

Click HERE for the 2023 Final Assessment Roll

There are two levels of formal review:

  1. Administrative review – the “grievance” process is conducted at the municipal level.  The deadline for filing Administrative Review is the 4th Tuesday in May.
  2. Judicial review:
  • In order to pursue judicial review you must first go through administrative review
  • Includes two options:
  1. Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) – a low-cost option available to most homeowners;
  2. Tax certiorari proceedings in State Supreme Court – to pursue this option, you should contact an attorney.  The deadline for filing a Small Claims Assessment Review or a Tax Certiorari is 30 days from the filing of the Final Assessment Roll.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM

Forms and Instructions:

There are many exemptions available to resident property owners. The Town of Putnam Valley offers the following:

a) New Forms to renew your Senior Aged All Exemption. The following forms are MANDATORY in order to renew.

b) Instructions for Senior Aged All Exemption – First time filing

c) Alternative Veterans (Instructions here)

d) Cold War Veterans (Instructions here)

e) Disabilities And Limited Incomes

f) Renewal Disabilities And Limited Incomes (Instructions here)

g) Agricultural

h) Renewal Agricultural

ALL EXEMPTIONS ARE DUE TO OUR PUTNAM VALLEY OFFICE ON OR BEFORE MARCH 1, 2024

Visit the New York State website for other forms.

It is also our responsibility to oversee the collection and eligibility of all exemptions. Exemption applications will be taken by our office up to March 1, 2024. This deadline is strictly enforced by the State of New York. If you are not sure if you are entitled to an exemption or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.

(845) 526-2517

Changes to the Star Exemption:

The STAR exemption started around 1997 and was put in place for homeowners to have some relief on their school tax bill.  The requirement for basic star was that it had to be your primary residence.  The requirement for enhanced star was that you had to be 65 years of age, your primary residence and you had to make less than a certain amount of money.  Up until March 1, 2015 you were required to apply for the exemption with me.

In 2015 New York State Department of Taxation and Finance decided that anyone who purchased a home after March 1, 2015 was no longer eligible for the star exemption.  Instead the new homeowner would have to register with the State of New York for a STAR credit.  The state would make the determination of whether you qualified for the enhanced STAR or basic STAR or neither.  Instead of getting the amount of the exemption off of your school tax bill you would get a check in the month of September that would equal the amount of the exemption.  In the end it was a wash.

Sometime within the last 3 years the state put an income limit on the basic STAR exemption.  If your adjusted gross income less IRA deductions was $250,000 or more you were not eligible for any STAR exemption.  The state made that determination and would send me a list each year with homeowners who were no longer qualified so I could remove their exemption.

Each year the state would increase the amount of the STAR savings approximately 2%.  Starting in 2019 the state has changed the requirements yet again.  Anyone receiving a STAR exemption will see no increase in the amount of savings this year.  However, if you receive a STAR credit check you will get a 2% increase in the amount of savings.  The state is trying to encourage everyone to give up the exemption and go to the star credit program.  Remember all new homeowners must do this and anyone currently receiving the STAR exemption has the option to now receive a star check.

Those of you who are currently receiving the enhanced STAR exemption may remember that you were required to sign an additional form this year.  This form authorizes the state to check your tax return from now on.  This means that you will no longer have to come to my office to renew your exemption.  The state will do it automatically.  If you do not qualify because of income the state will notify you in writing.

Also new this year.  Anyone who makes over $250,000 but below $500,000, as determined by the State, will no longer receive the star exemption.  They will now get a star credit check in September.  The state will notify all homeowners what exemption they are qualified for, if any.

This is confusing and unfortunately I, as the Assessor, cannot help with any questions you may have about eligibility.  You will need to contact the state directly since they are the one who now oversees this program.  You can contact them at 518-457-2036 or by going to their website www.tax.ny.gov/star

If you have any questions that I may be able to help you with please feel free to call me anytime at your convenience at 845-526-2517 or email me at sluongo@putnamvalley.gov

Assessment Exemptions:

All exemptions require an application to be completed.  Applications are being accepted by the Assessor’s Office up to and including March 1st.  This is strictly enforced.

If there are any questions, please call the Assessor’s Office at (845) 526-2517.

The Assessor’s Office will accept the following exemptions:

Basic Star:

The Assessor no longer accepts applications for the STAR exemption.  New Star applicants are now required to register with the State of New York.  You can either call (518) 457-2036 or go online www.tax.ny.gov to register.

Senior Exemption:

First time applicants need to bring their driver’s license or proof of age, electric or phone bill showing property address and most current tax return.  If no tax is filed, ALL 1099s and other income documents are needed.

New Forms to renew your Senior Ages All exemption. The following forms are MANDATORY in order to renew.

Disability with Limited Income:

First time applicants need to bring an award letter from Social Security Administration, Award letter from Railroad Retirement Board, Certificate from State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped or Award Letter from the U.S. Postal Service, proof of income for the previous tax year and a completed application.

Veterans Exemption:

You need to bring your Discharge Papers (DD-214) and a completed application.  Veterans are not required to renew.

Cold War Veterans:

Contact the Assessor’s office for details.

Volunteer Fire/Ambulance:

You need an application certified by your Captain or Chief.

Agricultural Exemption:

Contact the Assessor’s Office for details.

Questions about assessments and taxes. This may help… Read the Assessor’s Newsletter..