Real Property Tax Matters

TOWN OF GENEVA EXEMPTIONS

THE FOLLOWING FORMS AVAILABLE IN THE TOWN ASSESSOR'S OFFICE

NOTE:  All exemptions are due in the Assessors Office by March 1st, each year. Contact the Assessor, Lorie Peck, at (315) 789-3922, Monday and Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for further information. ASSESSOR/REAL PROPERTY TAX - tgassr@rochester.rr.com
 

STAR
There are two different STAR programs:

ENHANCED STAR:  Is available to senior homeowners whose incomes do not exceed $79,050. (This amount changes every year please verify with the Assessor) You must be over 65 years of age to qualify. Taxpayers who become 65 years of age after the appropriate taxable status date (March 1st) and on or before December 31st should contact their local assessor. To receive the Enhanced STAR exemption, taxpayers must file an application with their local assessor.

BASIC STAR:  New York State’s School Tax Relief (STAR) Program provides property tax exemptions for New York homeowners. Basic STAR is available to anyone who owns and lives in his or her owns home and earns less than $500,000. To receive the STAR exemption, taxpayers must file an application with their local assessor. You do not need to renew every year.

SENIOR CITIZEN SLIDING SCALE

You must be over 65 years of age and make under $21,200 for Geneva City School District or $19,200 for Ontario County.  You will qualify for the STAR program if you qualify for this.  On this exemption you will need to use your gross income.  All income must be accounted for, even the nontaxable portions (i.e. Social Security, Pensions, Dividends, Interest, etc.).  The County offers a "Persons with Disabilities Exemptions" similar to the Senior Exemption.

ALTERNATIVE VETERANS EXEMPTION

This exemption is available to eligible veterans and the unremarried surviving spouse of the veteran.  To qualify, you need a copy of your DD-214 discharge papers.  If you have a war related disability, you will need a copy of your disabled rating letter.  A "new" 10 year cold war veteran's exemption is being offered beginning in 2010.

AGRICULTURAL EXEMPTIONS

You must own seven (7) or more tillable acres and make over $10,000 of agricultural products or is rented to an eligible landowner.  You will need to contact Ontario County Soil and Water to arrange for the necessary paperwork.

AGRICULTURAL FARM BUILDING EXEMPTION

If you build a new farm building and are operating an agricultural business, you may qualify for a ten (10) year tax exemption on the building.

BUSINESS EXEMPTION

If you make an improvement to your business building that would increase the assessed value by $10,000 or more, you are entitled to a 50% exemption off the first year of increased value.

CLERGY

You must be a member of the clergy, minister, priest or rabbi.  You will receive $1,500 off of your primary residence assessment.