School Tax Rebates for New Paltz Homeowners: Who Really Benefits the Most?
New York State is preparing to issue rebates to primary homeowners who paid their school taxes. The rebate will total $400 for most homeowners. Those who received the STAR rebate last year need not apply to receive the rebate this year.
While I have to admit that checks will arrive at the right time to give a slight boost while the economy is looking for any type jump start, the rebate actually amounts to very little when the costs of issuing the rebates are considered.
Consider that New York State will spend millions of dollars to process and mail these rebates--a reduction on taxes could have been offered without this added cost in processing. Also consider that New York State has benefited from accruing interest on this money that in reality, they did not have to collect. When it comes down to the bottom line, the politicians who have promoted this rebate are the big winners, just in time for elections.