Property tax rebate no longer automatic

Middletown homeowners, like others across the state, will need to fill out property-tax rebate applications this year and send them to the state Tax Department to get their property-tax rebate check as rebates are no longer automatic.

According to the state Department of Taxation and Finance, letters were mailed out to homeowners beginning in mid-July explaining that taxpayers must apply this year, unlike last year, because of an income requirement that was added by Legislation.

The requirement states those who make less than $90,000 (upstate) or $120,000 downstate (Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, Westchester and Rockland counties, as well as New York City and Long Island) get the greatest benefits.

The tax department is required to match income and property-tax records as a result. Therefore, applicants will be asked to supply the name of the owners of property and give their Social Security numbers, along with other information. Such information wasn't necessary last year because the grants weren't tied to income.

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New STAR rebate for homeowners
Middle Class homeowners with an annual income below $250,000 will receive a rebate check from the NYS this year in addition to their STAR exemption. Rebate amounts are based on a combination of factors including school tax rates, the town in which the home is located, and the recipient's 2005 income bracket. The NYS Department of Tax & Finance is currently scheduled to mail rebate applications to Orange County residents Sept. 17. For more information go to the 2007 Middle Class STAR Rebate Program page.