Legislator Debra Mulé partners with Nassau county, brings tax workshop to Oceanside

Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé partnered with the Nassau County Department of Assessment to host a Homeowner Exemption Liaison Program (HELP) workshop at the Oceanside Library on Monday, Aug. 19.

The event, designed to assist homeowners in navigating the often complex process of applying for property tax exemptions, attracted a significant turnout, particularly from senior citizens living on fixed incomes.

“Anytime we can provide the community with the ability to take a look at what’s available to them in the way of tax exemptions, that’s important,” Mulé said. “If we can help them connect them with the tax exemptions they’re eligible for, that they should be getting, that’s a great thing.”

The workshop offered personalized assistance to homeowners applying for various tax exemptions, including those for veterans, senior citizens, Cold War veterans, volunteer firefighters, ambulance workers, and individuals with disabilities.

Enhanced STAR applications were also processed for homeowners already enrolled in the STAR program before Jan. 2, 2015.

The initiative aims to make the exemption application process as straightforward as possible, particularly for seniors who might find it difficult to travel to county offices.

“We’re really pushing to promote that ease of transaction and ease of help, especially with the exemption process,” John McQuade, a coordinator for the program said. “There’s a lot of different layers to the information required, and our goal is to streamline that process by answering questions on the spot and helping with paperwork.”

McQuade also noted that the program had evolved over the years from a simple tax exemption workshop to a more comprehensive service under the HELP initiative.

“This program is about promoting the idea that we’re here to help you get that exemption,” he added.

The event was well-received by attendees, who appreciated the convenience of having such services offered locally. The Freeport and Baldwin communities also received sessions on Aug. 20 and 22.

“It’s nice that they’re looking out for citizens like me, who are looking for creative ways to help lower their tax burden,” said Oceanside resident Mark Greenberg, who participated in the workshop. “The number system really helped, and the advice was great. I left with some informational pamphlets, and I’m going to be following up with the county when I’m done with the paperwork.”

The workshop at Oceanside Library is part of a series of similar events held across Nassau County. This year, about 35 such events are planned, mostly in libraries and community centers, with some even taking place in senior centers.

The goal is to reach as many residents as possible, and ensure they are informed about the exemptions available to them, as well as the processes required to acquire them.

“We love providing joint programs with (Nassau County Agencies), so we give them an opportunity to extend their services beyond just the county or town buildings,” said Tony Iovino, assistant director of the Oceanside Library. “Whatever we can do to help use our facility to get government services into our local people’s hands, we’re happy to do.”

Residents are encouraged to bring copies of their 2023 federal and state tax returns, along with any required documentation, to streamline the process.

For more information about upcoming HELP events or to obtain a list of necessary documentation, residents can contact the Nassau County Department of Assessment at 516-571-1500.