Assemblyman Tom O’Mara (R,C-Horseheads) today voted for Assembly legislation creating a personal income tax credit to help relieve homeowners from New York’s repressive property tax burdens.

“Southern Tier homeowners are one step closer to some property tax relief,” remarked O’Mara. “I am hopeful this bill leads to homeowners in my district receiving the property tax relief we all agree they need.”

The School District Property Tax Credit and its amount would vary depending on where each homeowner lives. The rebate check would equal about 30 percent of the savings realized from the existing School Tax Relief (STAR) program. Legislators estimate the savings at between $200 and $800.

In addition, senior citizens eligible for Enhanced STAR, and whose incomes are less than $67,850 would receive an additional 67 percent credit increase.

“Senior citizens have been forced to sell their homes and move away from their friends and families,” said O’Mara. “This bill would give seniors needed relief from New York’s regressive property taxes.”

The state Department of Taxation and Finance would issue claim forms in the amount of the credits homeowners qualify for by September 1. Homeowners may collect their credits early via advanced payments or collect the same credits when they file their personal income tax returns. To receive advanced payments, property owners most submit the appropriate forms before November 15.

“The sooner property owners see some property tax relief, the better,” added O’Mara. “However, the fight to lower property taxes does not end here. This tax credit is only the beginning.”