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1. I heard that the STAR Program is changing, is that true?

Yes. There are no more Basic STAR exemptions being issued. Instead new home owners are directed to register for the STAR Credit Program.

2. When does my exemption form need to be submitted (Agricultural, Veteran's, Senior Citizen's, STAR, Disability)?

The exemption filing deadline is March 1st of each year. This means that the Town of Sterling Assessment Office must receive the completed form and any required supporting information by March 1st.

3. When is grievance day?

Grievance Day is always the 4th Tuesday in May for the Town of Sterling and you must make an appointment. The hours can change from year to year depending on the availability of the Board of Assessment Review members.

Appointments

If you plan on grieving we encourage you to contact the assessment office at 315-947-6262, ext. 24 or 315-947-6262, ext. 25 to make an appointment for grievance day.

4. Why did the Assessor raise my taxes?

The Assessor cannot and does not raise or lower your taxes. The assessor can only assess the value of your home.

Taxes

Taxes are impacted by the Village, Town, County and School budgets. If you feel your taxes are too high, you should be speaking with your village board members, your town board members, your county legislature and your school board members.

5. I never received my STAR Credit Check, whom can I call?

Your local assessor cannot help in this instance. Please call the STAR Hotline at 518-457-2036.

6. What is the difference between the Tax Freeze Check and the STAR Credit Check?

Property Tax Freeze Credit

The Property Tax Freeze Credit is a two-year tax relief program that reimburses qualifying New York State homeowners for increases in local property taxes on their primary residences. In order for the credit to be available to the homeowners in a local taxing jurisdiction, the jurisdiction must comply with the New York State Property Tax Cap and, after the first year, must also have an approved Efficiency Plan. Review the Property Tax Freeze Credit Fact Sheet (PDF).

School Tax Assessment Relief (STAR)

STAR stands for School Tax Assessment Relief. Eligible new homeowners will receive their STAR savings in the form of a rebate check. The check will be in the same amount as the exemption savings would have been had you received the exemption on your school tax bill (the old STAR Program). If you own your home, it’s your primary residence, and your income is $500,000 or less, you’re eligible for the Basic STAR credit.

In addition, if you’re 65 or older with an income of $86,000 or less, you may be eligible for the Enhanced STAR credit. Once you register for the STAR Credit check, you don’t need to register again.

7. How can I find out if I should have received a Tax Freeze Check?

Visit Property Tax Relief or call the Property Tax Freeze Hotline at 518-453-8146.

8. When is the best time to talk to the Assessor about the assessment on my property?

The Assessor welcomes your questions anytime. The assessment process is meant to be a collaborative effort between property owners and the assessor. Information regarding your house or property is helpful for the assessor to make a fair and equitable assessment. This can include:

• Appraisals
• Information regarding the correct inventory, such as:
  • Bathrooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Garages
  • Porches
  • Sheds
  • And more
• MLS listings
• Pictures
• Purchase offers
• Sale information
• Anything else that you may deem important for the assessor to know about your property

9. If I don't agree with my assessment, is going to Grievance the only way I can do anything about it?

No, the best thing to do is to make an appointment to talk to the assessor before May 1st (tentative roll date). You will need to provide supporting evidence as to why you don't agree with your assessment.

File a Grievance

If after you have met with the assessor, you cannot come to an agreement, then your next step would be to file a Grievance with the Board of Assessment Review.