WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. By John F. Bailey. April 28, 2008: WPCNR has learned that the BASIC Middle Class STAR rebate checks issued last fall to White Plains homeowners, can again be counted on this fall. Middle Class STAR Rebate recipients will receive the same amounts received in 2007,  based on their income.  Seniors now eligible for Enhanced STAR Rebates will receive  $1,180 in their refund – a 40% increase from last year’s $843.  Though for those who itemize deductions, the rebates must be deducted from property taxes paid on your tax returns.

According to the Press Office of the Department of Real Property Services today , the White Plains taxpayer who has not changed their address since last fall will automatically be issued a rebate check based on the income levels of last year, and can expect to receive the same amount. Seniors qualifying for Enhanced STAR Exemptions will receive an increase in their checks of 40% from $843 to $1,180 – regardless of their income.

The White Plains Breakdown

Last year in White Plains, the maximum amount you as a homeowner could have gotten in your Middle Class Rebate Check was $1,035 if you had income up to $120,000; earning $125,000 to $175,000, $776, if you made from $175,000 to $250,000, you received $517. Those amounts, according to Geoffrey Gloak, of the Department of Real Property Services will not change.  Previously, Gloak said the former Governor Eliot Spitzer had proposed a 16% increase in the Middle Class Basic STAR Rebate, but this was dropped due to the state’s financial difficulties which have become known the last three months.

Do not forget to Deduct.

Gloak did note though, that according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance,  if you itemize your taxe,  seniors and middle class STAR  recipients must deduct your rebates from your amount of property taxes paid on 2008 income taxes. The effect for the wage earner is the rebate gives back on one hand and takes away on the other.

The figures, WPCNR quotes above are strictly for White Plains residents. The amount of the Middle Class STAR and Enhanced STAR rebates are computed differently for each community in the state.