Tax relief checks issued under the New York STAR program will soon be distributed. Here's what you need to know about these payments.
New York's School Tax Relief Program (STAR) and Enhanced STAR (E-STAR): All You Need to Know
The School Tax Relief Program (STAR) and its enhanced version, E-STAR, are two essential property tax relief programs in New York. Here's a breakdown of the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits for these programs.
Eligibility
To be eligible for E-STAR, you must be 65 or older by the end of the calendar year. For STAR, there is no age requirement, but you must own and live in your primary residence.
The total household income for STAR eligibility is $500k or less. E-STAR eligibility also requires owning and living in the primary residence, having the STAR exemption, and meeting the income limit of $107,300 or less for 2025 benefits. The income limit for Enhanced STAR in New York for the 2026 benefits year is $110,750 or less.
Application and Enrollment
Enrollment for the STAR or E-STAR tax exemption applies only to those who need re-enrollment or would like to switch from basic STAR to E-STAR. The deadline for enrollment is set by the locality for the following tax year, usually March 1, but check with your local assessor's office for details.
Homeowners can enroll for the STAR or E-STAR tax credit through the state's website or by calling (518) 457-2036.
Benefits and Payments
The amount of the tax reduction may vary depending on the school district. For Basic STAR homeowners, the tax reduction could be $350 to $600, while E-STAR homeowners could receive $700 to $1,500.
Payments for STAR and E-STAR credits have already been made between late June and mid-July in Buffalo, NYC, Rochester, and Syracuse, with more payments scheduled for August, September, and October. Eligible homeowners in Suffolk received as much as $5,015 last year.
Checking Your Status and Resolving Issues
The homeowner benefit portal helps New York State homeowners check the accuracy of their information and resolve any issues. To check when to expect your STAR credit, use the provided tool with your zip code.
Note
While some sources state the 2025 income limit as $107,300, the authoritative figure for 2026 is $110,750. Eligible homeowners who applied in the 2015 tax year or earlier will receive a tax exemption, while those who applied in a later year will receive their STAR benefit via check or direct deposit.
STAR is composed of two programs: Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR (E-STAR). These programs can come as either a tax exemption or a tax credit. For more detailed information, visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance's website.
In the realm of personal-finance and business, understanding New York's property tax relief programs like STAR and E-STAR can be beneficial for homeowners over the age of 65 or anyone living in their primary residences. Eligibility for E-STAR requires being 65 or older, owning the primary residence, and having a household income of $107,300 or less for 2025 benefits, while STAR has no age requirement but an income cap of $500k. The benefits offered include tax reductions of up to $1,500 for E-STAR and up to $600 for STAR, with further details available on the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance's website.
