GOUVERNEUR -- State Sen. Patty Ritchie and local assessors are joining forces to help homeowners meet requirements to re-register for the “Basic STAR” property tax savings program and find information about other property tax discounts for which they also may qualify.

The workshop will be held Nov. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Gouverneur Central School, 133 East Barney St.

Only about 60 percent of current Basic STAR enrollees in Central and Northern New York have completed the process, which began Aug. 19, according to state officials. More than 20,000 Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence County homeowners who currently receive Basic STAR savings have not re-registered. The deadline to re-register is Dec. 31.

“I want homeowners to get the tax savings they deserve, and that’s why I’m teaming with our local assessors to help make sure that current enrollees in the STAR program don’t miss out on this important re-registration requirement,” Ritchie said.

A new state law aimed at streamlining administration of the STAR program, and also helping to prevent fraud, requires current Basic STAR enrollees to re-register for the program, which saves the average household $700 annually. The requirement does not affect senior homeowners who are enrolled in Enhanced STAR.

“What’s more, many communities offer additional tax savings and homeowners will have the chance to get more information and see if they qualify,” Ritchie said.

Workshop attendees will be able to re-register for Basic STAR, as well as find answers to their questions about other property tax savings programs that may be available.

Homeowners may also register online, by clicking a link on Senator Ritchie’s website: www.ritchie.nysenate.gov, or by calling a special STAR hotline, 518-457-2036, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

More information about the STAR property tax relief program, including qualification requirements, can be found at the following links:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/177745776/STAR-Q-A