The phase-in refers to a gradual billing of the new tax amount over the course of two years, paying 33 percent of the increase in year one, 66 percent in year two and the full amount in year three.
These are the eligibility requirements under the Ossining law:
- The tax increase from 2015 to 2016 must be at least 25 percent higher;
- The property is a single, two or three-family home which is STAR eligible;
- The property has no delinquent taxes and has a valid certificate of occupancy.
"We are pleased to be able to extend this opportunity to homeowners who, through no fault of their own, will get a higher tax bill next year that they never saw coming," said Town Supervisor Dana Levenberg. "This exemption will allow them some time to figure out what the next step may be for their families."
The local law, passed July 26, was possible because of state legislation crafted by state Assemblywoman Sandy Galef and state Sen. David Carlucci.
Town Assessor Fernando Gonzalez said 572 properties of the town's 10,200 parcels could be be eligible to apply, based on the percentage increase. But this number may well decrease, based on grievances in front of the Board of Assessment Review that may settle lower than the initial assessment.
Applications for the exemption are available at Town Hall, in the Office of the Assessor -- or online, here. After the Sept. 15 deadline, the town will verify property owners' eligibility.
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