As summer winds down and a new school year begins, many American kids might feel reluctant about heading back to school. However, for homeowners in New York, the start of the school year might bring a welcome financial boost. This is thanks to the School Tax Relief (STAR) program, which offers significant benefits for eligible New York State residents.
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What Is the STAR Program?
The School Tax Relief (STAR) program is an initiative designed to provide property tax relief to eligible homeowners in New York State. Its primary aim is to ease the financial burden of school taxes, making it more manageable for residents to meet their school tax obligations.
According to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, “If you are registered for the STAR credit, the Tax Department will issue your STAR benefit via check or direct deposit. You can use your STAR benefit to pay your school taxes. You can receive the STAR credit if you own your home, it is your primary residence, and the combined income of the owners and the owners’ spouses is $500,000 or less.”
Types of STAR Exemptions
The STAR program offers two types of exemptions:
Basic STAR
This exemption is available to most New York homeowners who meet the eligibility criteria. It provides substantial relief on school property taxes.
Enhanced STAR
The Enhanced STAR exemption is designed for senior citizens and offers even greater tax relief. Eligibility for this exemption depends on specific income limits, which are updated annually.
Enhanced STAR Income Limits
For those applying for the Enhanced STAR exemption, the income limits are updated each year. For 2024, the income limit is set at $98,700. In 2025, this limit will increase to $107,300.
Delivery of STAR Benefits
STAR benefit checks are typically distributed from August to December, with most beneficiaries receiving their relief in September. If you have completed your registration on time and qualify, you may receive your check this month.
Eligibility and Distribution
In 2022, approximately 2.26 million New Yorkers qualified for Basic STAR, while around 670,000 received Enhanced STAR benefits. The amount of relief varies by school district and whether you qualify for Basic or Enhanced STAR.
Residents in different parts of New York State experienced varying amounts of financial benefits last year. For example, homeowners in the Albany area received an average of $1,885, while some Long Island residents received up to $2,695.
STAR Credit and Exemption Savings by County
New Yorkers are receiving substantial tax rebate checks thanks to the STAR program. These rebates provide significant savings for homeowners across the state.
To determine your potential savings, visit the STAR Exemption Savings Comparison page, where you can click on your county and scroll to your specific municipality and school district.
Here are some of the counties included:
- Albany County
- Allegany County
- Broome County
- Cattaraugus County
- Cayuga County
- Chautauqua County
- Chemung County
- Chenango County
- Clinton County
- Columbia County
- Cortland County
- Delaware County
- Dutchess County
- Erie County
- Essex County
- Franklin County
- Fulton County
- Genesee County
- Greene County
- Hamilton County
- Herkimer County
- Jefferson County
- Lewis County
- Livingston County
- Madison County
- Monroe County
- Montgomery County
- Nassau County
- New York City
- Niagara County
- Oneida County
- Onondaga County
- Ontario County
- Orange County
- Orleans County
- Oswego County
- Otsego County
- Putnam County
- Rensselaer County
- Rockland County
- St. Lawrence County
- Saratoga County
- Schenectady County
- Schoharie County
- Schuyler County
- Seneca County
- Steuben County
- Suffolk County
- Sullivan County
- Tioga County
- Tompkins County
- Ulster County
- Warren County
- Washington County
- Wayne County
- Westchester County
- Wyoming County
- Yates County
How to Apply for STAR Benefits
Don’t miss out on potential savings! To apply for STAR benefits or check your eligibility, visit the STAR Exemption Forms page and complete the necessary forms.
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The STAR program offers a valuable opportunity for New York homeowners to alleviate the financial strain of school property taxes. Be sure to check your eligibility and take full advantage of this beneficial program.