Hannon Unveils Plan To Overhaul Property Tax System

Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City) announced comprehensive legislation to overhaul the property tax system. The New York State Senate passed major property tax reform legislation which could result in the complete elimination of residential school property taxes in school districts that vote to phase out property taxes over five years, with revenue replaced with additional State funding.

The New York "Stop Taxing Our Property" Reform Plan (NY-STOP) would: give school districts the authority to eliminate residential property taxes over five years, with revenue replaced by additional State funding; impose an immediate freeze on property tax assessments for seniors; create a Blue Ribbon Commission on Property Tax Reform and enact comprehensive mandate relief measures to help lower costs for school districts and municipalities.

"Property taxes continue to be a huge problem on Long Island, and we are working for real ways to alleviate this burden and make it easier for people to stay in their homes," said Senator Hannon.

ELIMINATING RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAXES

Under the provisions of the bill (S.6119), every school district would be authorized to take a public vote to determine if real property taxes on primary residences (STAR eligible properties only) would be phased out over five years and be replaced with additional State funding. This vote would be held on the third Tuesday in May (school district budget vote day).

The proposition would be placed on the ballot only after the submission of a petition which contained at least 25 percent of the persons who voted in the previous school budget vote (or in the previous general election in the Big Five cities). Districts which enter into this system would be required to reduce residential real property taxes on primary homes by 20 percent annually until such tax was eliminated after five years.

A new state aid formula would be created to fully reimburse districts for this reduction in local tax collections. After five years, the formula would provide districts with an annual school aid cost-of-living increase.

Under the new system, property taxes on other properties (i.e. second homes, apartments and businesses) would continue under the current taxing system. Districts which do not enter into this financing system would continue under the existing property tax structure.

Property Tax Freeze For Senior Citizens

Under the Senate bill, school districts would be authorized to freeze the school tax rate for seniors over the age of 65. The Senate's proposal would provide immediate tax relief to hundreds of thousands of seniors across the State by freezing the real property assessed value of their homes at a fixed rate, while also providing state reimbursement to municipalities for lost real property tax revenue.

The legislation would establish a fixed real property assessed value for persons sixty five years of age or older who own a primary residence. Eligible seniors must have an income of less than $100,000. Individuals would apply annually with their assessor to participate in this program by completing a form developed by the Office of Real Property Services. Under the terms of the bill, the local assessor would be charged with notifying all local real property owners about the program, and would have to provide a statement on tax bills stating, "Your tax savings this year resulting from the fixed real property assessed value is $__". Assessors would also be responsible for applying to the State for reimbursement for the loss in property tax revenue. In addition, the Senate's proposal will enable school districts to freeze property tax rates on senior citizens over 65 who currently qualify for the senior STAR enhancement.

Mandate Relief Plan

The Senate's reform plan also includes a comprehensive mandate relief plan in order to help reduce costs to school districts, municipalities and local taxpayers. The measure would require the State to pick up the cost of any state mandated program imposed on municipalities or school districts.