Back-to-school time comes with another benefit for New Yorkers: the School Tax Relief Program (STAR). Property tax relief is here again, and, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul's office, eligible homeowners can expect to receive hundreds of dollars.
Read on for more about program eligibility, how much you can expect, and when you may receive your check.
What is the income limit for Enhanced STAR in NY 2025?
STAR is two programs rolled into one: Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR (E-STAR). While both provide school district property tax relief, they have different eligibility requirements:
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STAR eligibility:
- Has no age requirement.
- Requires that you own and live in your primary residence.
- Stipulates total income of the household to be $500k or less.
E-STAR eligibility:
- Requires that you, your spouse, or your sibling on the property be 65 or older by the end of the calendar year.
- Requires that you must own and live in your primary residence.
- Requires that you must already have the STAR exemption (unless you are applying for the credit).
- For 2025 benefits, total household income must be $107,300 or less (2026 benefits have an income limit of $110,750 or less).
“Total income” for both programs is federal adjusted gross income (AGI) minus any taxable amounts of IRAs or annuities. Income documents are required to establish eligibility.
For further eligibility information, check out the state’s website.
How much is the New York State Star check?
The tax reduction for each household could be $350 to $600 for Basic STAR homeowners, and $700 to $1,500 for those who qualify for E-STAR, per Gov. Hochul's office.
However, it’s important to note that it may depend on your school district. For example, some Albany County residents will receive as much as $1,733 in tax savings. Eligible homeowners in Suffolk received as much as $5,015 last year.
Your tax savings may also depend on which city you live in, whether you qualify for Basic STAR or E-STAR, and how much school tax you pay.
What month do NYS Star checks go out?
Buffalo, NYC, Rochester, and Syracuse payments have already gone out from late June to mid-July. More payments are going out in August, September, and October.
You can use your zip code and this tool to see when to expect your STAR credit.
If you opted for a mailed check, be sure to watch your mail throughout the end of the year.
Do I have to apply for NYS Star every year?
The STAR or E-STAR credit. Enrollment for the tax credit may be completed through the state’s website at www.tax.ny.gov/star/ or by calling (518) 457-2036.
You can also enroll or check the status of a current credit via the homeowner benefit portal. The portal helps New York State homeowners check the accuracy of their information and resolve any issues they may have.
The STAR or E-STAR exemption. Enrollment for the tax exemption only applies to those who need re-enrollment or would like to switch from basic STAR to E-STAR. You must apply before the date set by your locality for the following tax year (most communities are March 1, but check your local assessor's office for details). You may apply online or via mail for STAR or E-STAR.
Note: If your school taxes are due in the summer, you may need to enroll sooner. Check the state’s website to see if there is an announcement for your municipality.
How do I know if I am getting a NYS STAR rebate check?
The STAR and E-STAR programs come as a tax exemption or tax credit.
If you were made eligible in the 2015 tax year or earlier, you could receive an exemption. The tax exemption will be a reduction on your annual school tax bill.
If your application was accepted in a later year, you will receive your STAR benefit via check or direct deposit.
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