State Senator John Liu, in collaboration with Assembly Members Ed Braunstein, Nily Rozic, Ron Kim, and David Weprin, and Council Members Linda Lee, Sandra Ung, and James Gennaro, is partnering with the NYC Department of Finance to offer free sessions this tax season aimed at helping residents navigate key topics such as property taxes, appealing property value notices, and rent relief.
Homeowners receive an annual property value notice, but these workshops are designed to assist with any confusion during the form-filling process. They will also guide residents on how to appeal the Department of Finance’s assessment if they disagree with their property valuation. Each year, local elected officials collaborate with the Department to provide both in-person and online sessions, offering information and answering any questions residents may have.
In addition to property taxes, the in-person sessions will cover potential rent relief exemptions, which can help residents reduce housing costs or avoid rent increases.
Attendees can learn about:
- Notice of Property Value informs homeowners of the DOF’s assessment of property value for the coming tax year and determines how much property tax the homeowner needs to pay.
- Basic STAR is for homeowners whose total household income is $500,000 or less.
- Enhanced STAR is for homeowners 65 and older whose total household income for all owners and spouses who live with them is $107,300 or less.
- Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption is for seniors who own one-, two-, or three-family homes, condos or cooperative apartments with an income of $58,399 or less. The program can reduce your home’s assessed value by as much as 50 percent depending on income.
- Disability Homeowners Exemption for disabled New Yorkers who own one-, two-, or three-family homes, condos or cooperative apartments with an income of $58,399 or less. The program can reduce your home’s assessed value by as much as 50 percent depending on income.
- Veterans Tax Exemption lowers property taxes of qualified veterans, spouses, and parents of soldiers who died in the line of duty.
- Disability Rent Increase Exemption is for tenants with a disability who qualify to have their rent frozen at their current level and exempting them from future rent increases.
- Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption freezes rent for senior citizens 62 and over.
“With the rising cost of living putting a strain on New Yorkers, it’s important that residents take advantage of available programs that can lower their tax and housing costs,” said Liu. “Navigating these applications can be overwhelming, so we’re bringing tax professionals from the Department of Finance right here to northeast Queens to help make the process easier for our community.”
During the sessions, attendees can learn about various exemptions, including those for senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and more. The upcoming sessions will take place on Monday, Feb. 10, in Fresh Meadows, Friday, Feb. 28, in Bayside, and Monday, March 10, in Flushing.
“Whether you’re a senior on a fixed income, a veteran, or a renter seeking relief, these sessions are designed to guide you through the process step-by-step so you can get the most out of your return,” Liu added.
Session Details:
- Monday, Feb. 10, at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 183-02 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 28, at Korean Community Services Center, 203-05 32nd Ave., Bayside, NY 11361, from 1 to 4 p.m.
- Monday, March 10, at Flushing Library – Main St., 41-17 Main St., Flushing, NY 11355, from 4 to 7 p.m.
