BILL NUMBER: S3309
SPONSOR: PALUMBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the real property tax law, in relation to eligibility
for the enhanced school tax relief exemption for senior citizens for
properties purchased after the levy of taxes
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill provides that where a senior citizen purchases real property
after the taxable status date, such person shall be eligible for the
enhanced STAR exemption.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
§ 1- Amends subdivision 6 of § 425 of the Real Property Tax Law by
adding a new paragraph (f).
§ 2- Effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Real property tax law section 425 subdivision (6) presently allows a
senior citizen who moves after a municipal taxable status date to retain
their eligibility for the regular senior citizens' property tax
exemption. This bill will correct a technical oversight that occurred
when the STAR program was enacted by making a similar opportunity to
transfer an existing exemption available to STAR applicants who are over
65.
This bill will allow a senior citizen to move after a municipal taxable
status date and still be eligible for the enhanced senior citizen
exemption for that year. The property owner must file an application for
exemption within 30 days after receiving title to the property. The
assessor, no later than 30 days after receiving such application, shall
notify both the applicant and the Board of Assessment review by first
class mail of the exempt amount which is then subject to the assessment
review process. This process will ensure that senior citizens do not
lose an exemption for which they are otherwise qualified.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024 S.2160; 2022 S.5172/A.5806; 2020 S.4986/A.7003; 2017-18
S.3228/A.2681; 2015-16 S.4152/A.5635; 2013-14 S.3310/A.4119; 2011-12
S.1942; 2009-10 S.2925; 2007-08, S.941; 2005-2006, S.1559; 2003-2004,
S.2583; 2001-2002, S.2311; 1999-2000, S. 3246.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None. There will be no new costs because the exemption has already been
allotted tor in state funds and is merely shifting.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to real property
transferred to qualified senior citizens after taxable status dates
occurring on or after such date.

Statutes affected:
S3309: 425 real property tax law, 425(6) real property tax law