Important Information Regarding 2014 STAR Exemption for Home-owners

Important Information Regarding 2014 STAR Exemption for Home-owners

By: Christina DeFalco

Date: 8/22/2013

To keep STAR tax break, you'll need to reapply by Dec. 31

In coming weeks, homeowners will receive a letter instructing them to reapply for the STAR program online or by phone by Dec. 31. People will need to verify their salaries, Social Security numbers and primary residence.

The initiative, approved as part of the state budget in March, will seek to stop some property owners from claiming the tax breaks on multiple homes.

 

The new legislation requires all homeowners receiving a Basic STAR exemption to register with the New York State Tax Department in order to receive the exemption in 2014 and subsequent years.

• Homeowners will not have to register in order to receive their 2013 STAR exemptions.
• Homeowners will not have to re-register every year. Based on the information provided in the  registration process, the Tax Department will monitor homeowners' eligibility in future years.

 

How to register

You can register for the STAR exemption online. You'll need to:

• provide a STAR code (we're mailing codes to all Basic STAR recipients; or you can use the STAR code lookup)
• provide the names and social security numbers for all owners of the property and spouses
• confirm that the property is the primary residence of one of its owners (married couples with multiple residences may only claim one STAR exemption)
• confirm that the combined income of the owners and their spouses who reside at the property does not exceed $500,000
• confirm that no resident owner received a residency-based tax benefit from another state

 

You can also register by calling (518) 457-2036

• Monday - Friday:  8:30 am - 8:00 pm
• Saturday:  9:00 am - 1:00 pm

 

Registration period

Registration started on August 19, 2013 and will continue through December 31, 2013.

 

Senior citizens

Senior citizens receiving the Enhanced STAR exemption are not affected by the new registration requirement. Seniors must, however, continue to:

• apply annually, or
• participate in the Income Verification Program

 

For more information contact (518) 457-2036 or visit New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

TIPS FOR LIVING GREEN

TIPS FOR LIVING GREEN

Well, it's official: the new black is green - living green, that is. New companies devoted to helping reduce folks' carbon footprint are springing up all over. Hybrid cars, renewed interest in recycling, eco-friendly business practices - all are devoted to cleaning up the nation's collective teenage bedroom. How can you jump on the eco-bandwagon? Read on to find out.
Fix any plumbing leaks - sinks, tubs, showers and toilets all should be inspected for drips and leaks. The tiniest drip can add up to a lot of wasted water.

• Better yet, install water-saving faucets, toilets - you can even buy conservational water pipes to replace your old plumbing.

• While you're at it, install a programmable thermostat to save energy.

• At least turn down the heat at night, during the day if no one is home and any time you leave the house.

• Use compact, long-life fluorescent light bulbs. They're more expensive, but they last several times longer than the old-fashioned kind.

• Many utility companies perform home energy audits for their customers. This will let you know where you're being wasteful, and where you can save energy and money.

• Your audit may point out that you need new or additional insulation. You may find that your windows and doors aren't as tight as you thought. Seal it all up with weather stripping and caulking. By preventing heat from escaping, you automatically reduce your energy consumption.

• Another place for insulation: your electric (NOT NATURAL GAS!) hot water heater as well as the pipes. Just make sure the insulation is no closer than six inches from the heater.

• During the winter, change the filter in your furnace every month. If the filter is allowed to collect dust, it will make your furnace work harder, use more energy and potentially shorten the life of this expensive appliance.

• Use non-toxic cleaning alternatives in your home, such as baking soda, vinegar, etc.

• No more plastic furniture - make sure your furnishings are constructed out of natural materials like wood, metal and glass.

• Read the labels of the items you're buying and avoid the use of polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC or vinyl). It can creep up in toys, flooring, shower curtains, etc.

• Compost your food waste and use as nutrient-rich soil for your lawn.

• Cut down on paper products. Paper towels and napkins can be replaced with cloth rags and napkins.

• Bite the bullet and start depending on reusable items, such as water bottles, food containers, batteries, pens, razors, etc.

• Instead of going to a carwash or letting your garden hose run, wash your car when it rains - get out there with your chamois and your eco-friendly soap and have at it.

• Leave your car parked as often as possible. Ride your bike, walk or take public transportation. Even carpooling is better than riding alone when it comes to energy consumption.

• Whenever possible, think globally but buy locally. Transporting food across country uses up an obscene amount of fuel. An added bonus is that it's good for the local economy.

• Cut down on your battery usage. The hazardous waste created by the lead in batteries is a danger to the environment. Instead, use rechargeable or solar-charged batteries.

• Avoid products with excess packaging. Reward companies who use packaging sparingly.

• Stop using plastic bags! Plastic grocery bags are a quadruple whammy: they never decompose, they're hazardous to wildlife when they inevitably end up in their habitats, they're made from petroleum products and they can be a danger to the folks in your own household.

• Avoid the use of aerosols.

• Instead of lubricants containing solvents, use castor or mineral oils to lubricate switches and hinges.

• Use water-based latex house paints instead of oil or solvent-based paints.

• Be very mindful of what you throw away. Never dispose of paint, solvents, motor oil in your garbage can. Talk to your garbage collection company for proper disposal procedures of hazardous wastes.

• Never throw away a computer. The lead is a hazard to the environment. Most cities now have specialty companies that recycle computers. Look in your yellow pages under computer disposal.

• Instead of throwing away old books, donate them.

• Give last season's wardrobe to Goodwill or Salvation Army.

• Don't want your old photos and/or letters? Don't heap them on the landfill - donate them to your local historical society.

• Don't take that old dishwasher or refrigerator to the dump, donate it.

This Month in Real Estate - August 2013 Market Update

Keller Williams Realty Landmark | 32-55 Francis Lewis Blvd. | Bayside | NY | 11358

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Back-to-School With No Stress?

Back-to-School With No Stress?

It Could Happen!

When the warm summer months begin to wind down and the days become a little shorter, you can almost smell it in the air - back-to-school time is here! And, just as fall and cooler weather approach, so does back-to-school anxiety. Between kids fearing they'll miss the bus and won't make new friends, and parents feeling stressed about hectic mornings and carpooling chaos, how can anyone get excited about the first day back to school? Parents, however, can set the tone for a smooth transition from summer to the new classroom by proactively addressing their children's concerns. Here are a few tips to help ease your family's back-to-school anxiety.

 

• Be enthusiastic. If you are excited and confident, your child will be, too.
• Prepare yourself. Note your child's reaction to separation. If possible, visit the new setting together and introduce your child to the new teacher in advance.
• Start daily routines. Let your child become involved with packing her lunch and laying out her clothes the night before. Also, begin an earlier bedtime at least one week before.
• Pack the night before. Make sure your child packs her book bag every night before bed. This eliminates the morning rush and trying to locate stray items.
• Always say good-bye to your child. Be firm, but friendly about separating. Never ridicule a child for crying. Instead, make supportive statements like, "I know it's hard to say good-bye."
• Send a photo of your family or write a reassuring note and put it in his backpack or lunch box.
• At the end of the workday, put aside your work concerns and focus on being a parent.

Helpful Homework Hints

(that really work!)

Here are some ways to make homework time easier for you and your child: 

 

• Have a regular place for your child to do homework - a desk or table in a quiet room.
• Set a regular time for homework. You may want to make a rule, "No television until homework is finished."
• Set aside ample time for homework and help your child plan how she'll use her time.
• Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do the homework for her.
• To help alleviate fatigue, have your child close the books for 10 minutes every hour and go do something else.
• If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren't able to help, a tutor can be a good solution. Discuss it with the teacher first.
• Have your child do the most difficult homework first. Save "easy" subjects for last.
• Praise your child's good work. Your interest will encourage good work.

Backpack Safety

When choosing a backpack, look for the following: 

 

• Wide, padded shoulder straps. Narrow straps can dig into shoulders, causing pain and restricting circulation.
• Padded back. A padded back protects against sharp edges on objects inside the pack.

To prevent injury when using a backpack, do the following: 

 

• Pack light. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the student's body weight.
• Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles and may increase curvature of the spine.
• Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back.
• Use a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried upstairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.

Courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Children and Moving

When a family move becomes inevitable, it is important to involve your children in the process. Since moving can cause some concerns for children, like going to a new school, leaving friends, and unfamiliarity about the new neighborhood, things will go a lot easier if your children support your efforts to get your current home sold. It is important that children keep their toys and clothes put away, and teenagers understand about keeping their room in "showing" condition. Also, showing a family home is much more successful for the realtor if the family is away. Make an effort to include everyone in the discussions about the move and your children on house hunting trips. Contact a realtor who is comfortable with children and will be sensitive to their needs and concerns.

 

New House, New School?

Try This...

• If possible, give your child three months' notice before an upcoming move, so that he has time to get used to the idea.
• Explain the reason for relocating.
• Familiarize your child with her new neighborhood ahead of time.
• Emphasize the positive aspects of the move.
• Contact the school your child will be attending and arrange a time to visit.