The Associated Press is reporting New Yorkers do not have to hire a service for the simple process of re-applying this year for the state's property tax break. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Thurs., Nov. 7, some people are pressuring taxpayers into hiring them to complete the application for the School Tax Relief property tax exemption. All homeowners have to reapply for the benefit as part of an effort to weed out waste and abuse. The STAR exemption averages $700 statewide and can be as high as $3,000 for older residents in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island. The application process can be completed online at www.tax.ny.gov. The deadline is Dec. 31. Read the full AP story in the Wall Street Journal.