(From the 2009 Town Newsletter)

As you read this article, you may have received your school tax bill for this year, or it has gone to your escrow company for payment. This bill reflects the STAR exemption, which you applied for this past year or years. There are two types of STAR exemptions, the basic and enhanced. The basic is for residents under 65 years of age that have a primary residence in the town. This exemption amount is $30,000 off your gross assessment. The enhanced exemption is for those residents 65 years of age or older. There was an income limit in order to receive this exemption and you must re-apply for this exemption each tax year, once it is granted. This enhanced exemption amount is $60,100 off your gross assessment. The income limit for the enhanced for 2010 is $74,700. I am required to send out the renewal forms for the enhanced STAR applicants and these get mailed out in December.

If a property owner becomes 65 years of age, in the year 2009 then contact me so that you can get this increased benefit. If you are a new resident in town or have never applied before, I would suggest that you get your application in now that you are thinking about it. It's surprising, but there are still quite a few town residents that have not signed up for the STAR exemption. The basic exemption will save you $500 to $600 a year in school taxes, depending on which school district you reside in. It's a very simple process to complete. The deadline for applying for all exemptions is March 1, for each tax year.

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY INVENTORY-

As part of the process of maintaining good inventory records on the properties in the town, I have been reviewing the building photographs I have on file. A majority of these were taken back in 1994 when the town wide data collection was done. Many of these photos do not represent the current condition of the building(s) so I am taking updated ones. I use the town vehicle that has the TOWN OF BRISTOL sign on it. Many of these photos can be taken from the road, but if I do have to come on the property, I will come to the house to let you know why I am there.

VETERANS EXEMPTIONS-

If you are a veteran and own a primary residence in the town and you served in active duty during a war time period (Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq), you should be eligible for an Alternative Veterans Exemption on both your town and county taxes. Contact me about the eligibility dates and see if you qualify. Again, the deadline for filing is March 1, of each tax year.