The New Year is right around the corner, and now is the time to take advantage of the numerous tax exemption programs offered through the Nassau County Department of Assessment.

In my first term, I hosted over a dozen tax exemption seminars throughout the 14th Legislative District, educating residents of available exemption programs. While many of these exemptions are designed to help senior citizens, low-income homeowners and persons with disabilities, there are also exemptions available for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, military veterans, and property owners who make improvements to their homes. Most importantly, there is the Basic STAR school tax exemption that is available to any property owner who lives in his or her home, condominium or cooperative apartment regardless of age or income.

While, many of these exemptions can be filed year-round, if you plan to file any new tax exemption applications, you must do so before Dec. 31 to ensure that they will be applied to your 2006-2007 tax bills (please note that 2006-2007 tax exemptions are based on your 2004 income). Certain programs also require annual renewals, so be sure to contact the Department of Assessment at 571-1500 with any questions regarding your current exemptions.

For more information on any of these programs, or to request an application, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 571-6214. Also, be sure to join me for my annual tax grievance workshops beginning in January, with dates to be announced shortly. Happy Holidays!