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Hi,
I am currently receiving Enhanced Star and Senior Citizens exemptions. I filed my paper work in November 2019 and again because the D.O.F. did not receive the copy. I also sent all the information on line but was told to send the original copies.
The problem was that when I purchased the co-op it was in my name. Then I got married. It is not mandatory to put my husband’s name on the certificate of occupancy.
All of my other legal documents are in my married name including my taxes. My husband has since passed away, prior to his passing, I was receiving the Enhanced Star and co-op Abatement, only after his passing did I apply for the Senior Citizens exemptions.
I sent all required paper work including original death certificate and marriage license and letter explaining why the co-op name and name on my tax forms were different. I received an acceptance letter that I was entitled to these benefits and requested a break down.
Everything was going fine until today. The co-op manager left a note in my mail box that I will lose my benefits unless I call the number provided because they never received the paper work.
I called and reviewed all the information with the representative but she was not able to email me conformation however she did provide me with a registration number.
We have multiple lots and block# that are listed on this letter and I think the manager is passing the buck to all recipients of these exemptions rather than do the research himself. Now he says he cannot do anything without a letter from the D.O.F.
Is this the responsibility of the shareholder or the management company? I thought these adjustments could now be handled on line by the Management company
Thank You
Thank you steven. I did send an email to the D.O.F. With the reg # I received from the person I did speak to. I included a copy of the acceptance letter, and mailing return receipt. I also reached out to a board member so I guess there is nothing left to do but wait for their responses. The M.A. omitted the other owners names and unit 's and just put my name and unit number on the form. I guess it was an oversight that he left the other block numbers. Thanks again :-)
Hi Steve,
I don’t know who is giving you the thumbs down. I think you have a crazy stalker named Connie.
Just want you and all the other contributors to know I appreciate the advice I receive from this site.
Personally, I don't think there should be a rating system on a FREE site, where people are giving their time and sharing their experiences.
:-)
Thanks, NYC. I think of it as simply returning what I received back when I first joined my board. I didn't discover Habitat and these forums until a few years later, but CNYC with their monthly newsletters and annual symposiums were invaluable in the beginning.
As for a stalker... At my age, I never imagined I'd have my very own groupie. Kind of honored, and tickled. ;-)
Stay safe.
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Hi -
I'm sorry for the aggravation you're going through with the exemptions. Between lost documents, name inconsistencies, and dealing with the DoF in general, it can get very annoying.
To answer your question about responsibility, in my opinion (and I am not a lawyer) individuals who receive tax abatements are responsible to make sure they properly qualify. In the case of STAR, Senior Citizen, R/E tax, and other abatements, you receive the abatements from the DoF and not from the co-op. Your co-op acts as a sort of agent and pass-through for the DoF to get the funds to you.
In my building, the managing agent works closely with shareholders to resolve problems with abatements, but they are not required to. It's a service we ask our MA to perform.
I agree it sounds like your MA is giving you the runaround. My first suggestion would be to contact your board president or other board member and explain the situation to them. Ask for their help with making the MA more responsive.
You might also try contacting the owners of the other co-ops listed on the MA's letter. The more aggrieved shareholders who are involved, the more leverage you all will have.
You need to try to stop the clock if you're up against any deadlines. Call the DoF (or see if there's anywhere online) you can enter your registration number to confirm any deadlines and ask for an extension.
Best of luck to you,
--- Seve
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