“New Yorkers work hard for their money, and they deserve a tax system that’s transparent and equitable. Instead, these audits have made clear that the Department of Finance is not playing by the rules and it’s taxpayers who have paid the price. The City has an obligation to correct this mess ahead of the next tax season so that every New Yorker gets their fair shot,” said Comptroller Scott Stringer. 

The audit made several recommendations, including that DOF identify any deceased homeowners who applied for the SCHE and remove this and the Enhanced STAR exemption from those properties, retroactive from the date of death. The audit also recommended that the agency take steps to recover any and all erroneous tax exemptions that were applied to ineligible homeowners.

The Department of Finance agreed with all of the audit’s recommendations and said it will recoup ineligible benefits from corporations and examine recouping benefits improperly received by unqualified individuals.