As deadlines approach for filing property tax exemptions in the county, I urge residents to educate themselves in what is available in the way of tax relief.

The Nassau County Legislature's Majority members recently sponsored and passed legislation that will exempt qualifying senior citizens (65 and older and earning less than $62,100) from bearing the burden of the recent tax increase. While seniors will still get a tax bill reflecting an increase, please look closely at the bill for the credit you should receive in that same amount.

In addition, senior citizens who qualify are also eligible for the New York State Enhanced School Tax Relief Program (Enhanced STAR). Enhanced STAR provides for a reduction of county, town, highway and school taxes, depending on income. Senior citizens earning less than $62,100 per year are eligible for the Enhanced STAR Program.

The New York State School tax relief program (STAR) proves exemptions from school property taxes for owner-occupied primary residences. The Basic Star exemption program has been extended on all primary residences, homeowners, regardless of age or income.

In addition, county lawmakers recently passed important legislation that will maintain current levels of property tax exemptions for US Military Veterans after the reassessment process is complete. This veteran's exemption provides a partial exemption from county, town and highway taxes, but does not apply to school and/or special district taxes.

I am also proud to announce legislation was recently passed that will provide a partial real estate savings to our selfless volunteers of volunteer fire companies, fire departments and volunteer ambulance services who have served in good standing for over five years. The partial tax exemption would provide a 10 percent tax abatement on the assessed value of property owned by an enrolled member of a volunteer fire department or fire company, not exceeding $3,000 multiplied by the state equalization rate. The applicant must reside in the city, town or village, which is served by the fire department, and the applicant must occupy the property. Applicants who qualify would file with the County Tax Assessor's Office.

For more information about the eligibility requirements for any of these programs or exemptions, call my office at 571-6202 or the County Assessor's Office at 571-1500.

Nassau County Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin (D-Westbury) today announced an effort to increase the number of qualifying Nassau County residents who file for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC returns federal and state government dollars to filers either through tax credits or as cash refunds to working families who earn less than $34,178. It is estimated that over $13 million in EITC funds may lay unclaimed in Nassau County and over $31 million island-wide.

"This is 'free money' to those eligible working families who need it the most," said Corbin. "I am urging Nassau County residents who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit to file."

An estimated 46,500 low and moderate-income workers in Nassau County claimed Earned Income Tax Credits, worth over $69 million. However, the General Accounting Office estimated that only a portion of those eligible for the EITC claimed the credit.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a special refundable tax benefit offered by the federal government. New York has its own refundable EITC as well. The Federal and State EITC are for working people who earn low or moderate incomes. According to the office, nationally, 25 percent of eligible taxpayers do not claim the EITC for which they are eligible.

For more information about EITC, call Legislator Corbin's office at 571-6202 or contact the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-3676.