How is income defined for STAR purposes?
For both Basic and Enhanced STAR, income information from the 2009 tax year is used to determine eligibility in 2011. In both cases, income is defined as federal “adjusted gross income” [AGI] as reported on the applicants’ federal or State income tax return, less the “taxable amount” of total distributions from individual retirement accounts or individual retirement annuities (both of which are commonly known as “IRAs”). In future years, the income limit for Enhanced STAR will increase, based on an annual cost of living adjustment. • Basic STAR – Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, the income limit for Basic STAR is $500,000. Eligibility is based on the combined incomes of: a) owners who reside at the property, and b) any owner’s spouse who resides at the property. Wherever possible, the New York State Tax Department determines whether STAR recipients are income-qualified. If you are not qualified, or if you are required to provide income information, you will be notified in writ
