Senator Kemp Hannon encourages all eligible homeowners who have not yet received a STAR rebate check to file a rebate application. The deadline to file a rebate application is Jan. 20. Rebate checks were automatically mailed directly to homeowners at the end of 2006. However, some residents still may not have received their check.

As a result of legislation sponsored by the Senate and signed into law, STAR eligible homeowners were to receive a tax refund check for a portion of their school property taxes in October 2006. The tax rebate is in addition to the existing federal and state deductions for local property taxes.

Under the plan, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance was to automatically mail a rebate check to homeowners who were eligible for the March 1, 2006 STAR exemption. Refunds vary by school district and are greater for seniors receiving the Enhanced STAR exemption.

If you have not received your check, you must file the Local Property Tax Rebate Application, form number DTF-178. This form and all information regarding the rebate is available on Senator Hannon's website http://www.kemphannon.com/Topics10_7_Rebate_Check_missing_etc_.htm.