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Supporting documentation to prove STAR eligibility

If you received a letter asking for documentation to prove your STAR eligibility or a letter stating you are not eligible for STAR and you disagree, respond and provide all the following:

  • a copy of the letter you received
  • a brief letter:
    • stating you disagree with the department's determination,
    • explaining why you disagree, and
    • including your telephone number and email address
  • the supporting documentation appropriate for your circumstances (see the options below)

Supporting documentation

For letters RP-5300-INCB, RP-5300-INCE, and RP-5300-INC

We used the federal adjusted gross income minus taxable IRA distrubutions—not taxable income or wages—reported on your tax return to determine your income eligibility for STAR.

Proof of income
If then

your marital status has changed,

send us a copy of the signed separation agreement or judgement of divorce.

a property owner has died,

send us a copy of the death certificate and will, if available.

you filed an amended tax return,

send us a copy of the amended return.

you did not file a tax return, completed an income worksheet (at our request), and believe your income is not correct,

complete a new income worksheet.

For the RP-5300-RES letter

Proof of residency
If then

the property is the primary residence of any of the owners

send us at least two documents to demonstrate the property is your primary residence, for example:

  • a statement from the Board of Elections confirming your residence for voting purposes,
  • a driver license or government-issued ID, and
  • a vehicle registration.

Note: We cannot accept utility bills as proof of residency.

you are not receiving a benefit for a primary residence in another state

send us proof you did not receive a property tax benefit in another state, for example:

  • an out of state property tax bill, or
  • a (non-New York) state tax return showing you did not receive a residency-based property tax benefit.

the property is not a rental occupied by a tenant and is your primary residence

send us at least two documents to demonstrate the property is your primary residence, for example:

  • a statement from the Board of Elections confirming your residence for voting purposes,
  • a driver license or government-issued ID, and
  • a vehicle registration.

Note: We cannot accept utility bills as proof of residency.

you have registered to receive a STAR benefit for multiple properties as your primary residence

visit the Homeowner Benefit Portal to identify which properties you are registered for and change your primary residence, or send us at least two documents to demonstrate the property is your primary residence, for example:

  • a statement from the Board of Elections confirming your residence for voting purposes,
  • a driver license or government-issued ID, and
  • a vehicle registration.

Note: We cannot accept utility bills as proof of residency.
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