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Wawayanda Current News

Latest news and updates from the Town of Wawayanda.

*** July 2025 STAR UPDATE ***

*** July 2025 STAR UPDATE ***
Homeowners will no longer be required to submit an application to the assessor if they had an ownership change or if they aged into the Enhanced STAR exemption. New York State will notify local assessors of Basic STAR recipients who become eligible for Enhanced STAR (rather than requiring seniors to apply to their assessors). Property owners who have a change of ownership will report it to the NYS Tax Department using the Homeowner Benefit Portal at www.tax.ny.gov. If internet access is not available, you may contact NYS at (518) 457-2036.

New York State adopted the Transfer on Death Deed

A Transfer on Death Deed (TOD) is a legal document that allows a property owner to designate who will inherit their real estate after they die. TODs are a cost-effective way to pass on property because they bypass probate, the process that wills go through.  NYS has introduced Section 424 of the  New York State Real Property Law.

Here are some things to know about TODs:

  • How it works

    The property owner, also known as the transferor, fills out a TOD form, signs it in front of witnesses, and has a notary public acknowledge the signature. The completed deed is then recorded at the county clerk's office. 

  • Who can be a beneficiary

    A beneficiary can be an individual, an organization, or a charity. If there are multiple beneficiaries, the transferor can indicate how they will take title. 

  • What the owner retains

    The owner retains full control of the property while they're alive. They can sell, mortgage, or revoke the TOD deed at any time. 

  • How to record the deed

    Look up the requirements for recording a deed in Orange County, New York
    • Get the state-specific deed form 
    • Decide on a beneficiary 
    • Describe the property (schedule  A) This can be found on a prior deed
    • Sign the deed - you must have 2 witnesses and sign the deed in front of a Notary Public
    • Record the deed at the Orange County Clerk's Office
 
Orange County Gov..jpg

File your Survey With the Orange County Clerk's Office

The Orange County Clerk's office is now accepting survey maps for filing. Many Orange County residents especially new homeowners go to the County Clerk's Office looking for the metes and bounds of their property. Until now, they could only provide tax maps and subdivision maps. Filing your survey map will provide you with the convenience of always knowing where it is when you need it.

Map requirements are:
- Completed title block including property owner's name, town/city in which it is located.

- Surveyor’s signature and seal

- Minimum 8-point font for legibility.

- Paper or Mylar minimum size 8 1/2” x 11” maximum size 36” x 48”

Filing fee $10.00/page at the OC Government Center 255 Main St. Goshen, NY 10924

For more information, you can contact the Orange County Clerk's Office.   Phone: 845-291-2690