By Jimmy Lopez | Your Local Tax Guide
We all know the feeling. You open your mailbox, and there it is: the tax bill from the City of Yonkers or the School District. Your stomach drops. You work hard to maintain your home, yet it feels like you are paying rent to the government.
To make matters worse, the federal government placed a "cap" on how much of this you can deduct (the SALT Cap), leaving you feeling helpless. You assume there is nothing you can do but write the check and complain.
"Am I Overpaying?"
It’s not just about the money. It’s the frustration of knowing that your neighbor might be paying less because they know a secret you don’t. You worry that you are leaving money on the table, but the tax code is too complicated to fight alone.
Someone Who Knows the Territory
I understand that frustration. For 35 years on South Broadway, I have watched Yonkers homeowners struggle with the highest property taxes in the nation.
I’m Jimmy Lopez. I cannot lower the tax rate the city charges, but I can stop you from overpaying on your return. I have helped thousands of locals navigate the confusing maze of New York State credits that software often misses.
The Plan: 3 Steps to Reclaim Your Money You don't have to be a victim of the tax system. Here is the plan we use at Pupilo Tax to fight back.
Step 1: Verify Your STAR Status (The Check vs. The Exemption)
The "School Tax Relief" (STAR) program is your first line of defense.
- The Trap: If you recently bought your home, you might be waiting for a discount on your bill that will never come. New homeowners must register to receive a check instead.
- The Strategy: We verify if you are receiving the Basic or Enhanced STAR (for seniors). If you are receiving the check, we ensure it's not taxed as income, but we also ensure you don't double-dip the deduction, which causes audits.
Step 2: Trigger the "Circuit Breaker"
Most people don't even know this exists. The Real Property Tax Credit (IT-214) is a refund designed for homeowners whose taxes are too high compared to their income.
- The Win: If you qualify, New York State sends you cash back. This works even if you don't file a federal return. It is a lifeline that generic tax chains ignore because it takes extra time to calculate.
Step 3: Split the Surcharge
Your tax bill isn't one number. It’s a mix of City Tax, County Tax, and the Yonkers Income Tax Surcharge. Generic software often lumps these together. By separating them correctly on your return, we can often squeeze out deductions that bypass the federal caps or apply differently to your New York State return.
The Success: Keep Your Home, Keep Your Cash Imagine walking out of my office knowing you didn't leave a single penny behind. Imagine using that refund to fix a leak or pay a utility bill instead of giving it to Albany.
The Failure: The Cost of Doing Nothing If you ignore this and just use the "standard deduction" out of fear or laziness, the result is simple: You lose. The city keeps your money, and you never get it back.
Call to Action Don't let the "Blue Envelope" win. Bring your property tax bills (all of them) to Pupilo Tax at 206 S Broadway. Let’s execute the plan and get your money back.