Homeowners, Property Tax & Repairs · Surprise rank #370
Homeowner 65+? Cut the Value You’re Taxed On by Up to 50%—Beyond Your School-Tax Break
Qualifying seniors may combine Enhanced STAR with a locally adopted exemption reducing taxable property value by as much as 50%.
Who
Income-eligible homeowners age 65+ who use the property as a primary residence.
Where: Statewide, but local adoption, income limits and deadlines vary; Nassau and Suffolk assess locally.
What to do
Start here: Contact the local assessor and ask to be screened separately for Enhanced STAR and the senior citizens exemption under RPTL 467.
Eligibility: Age, ownership, residency and income rules; separate applications may be required.
What you get
Eligible homeowners age 65+ may combine their school-tax benefit with a locally adopted senior exemption that can reduce the home's taxable assessed value by up to 50%.
Benefit: Up to 50% of assessed value exempt from participating local property taxes, depending on income and local adoption.
Possible value: Often hundreds to several thousand dollars per year.
Good to know
Important: Deadlines are strict, local limits vary and the senior exemption is not automatic with STAR.
Availability: Annual local filing deadline.
Why people miss it: Many owners think STAR is the only senior property-tax program.
Sources reviewed: Aug 9, 2026