Nearly 3 million New Yorkers will receive more than $2 billion in property tax relief this summer and fall through the state’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.
The program provides property tax relief to eligible homeowners and seniors statewide, either as a tax exemption applied directly to a bill or as a tax credit delivered through mailed checks or direct deposit.
How much money homeowners will get
Most homeowners eligible for a STAR credit will receive between $350 and $600, while seniors receiving the Enhanced STAR credit will typically get between $700 and $1,500, according to the state.
In total, the state says STAR will deliver about $2.1 billion in relief to 2.78 million recipients.
When payments are coming
Check deliveries have already begun and will continue statewide through the summer and fall.
Timing depends on where homeowners live and when local school tax bills are due. Some areas — including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse — have early summer tax deadlines, meaning STAR payments will arrive sooner for many residents in those regions.
Homeowners can track payment timing or check eligibility at ny.gov/STAR.
Why some people get checks and others don’t
STAR benefits are delivered in two ways:
Many newer participants and those who opted into the credit program receive payments by mail or direct deposit rather than through a bill reduction.
State officials say program helps affordability
“The start of summer is also the start of STAR tax relief season for millions of New Yorkers,” Hochul said, adding the program is part of broader affordability efforts including tax cuts and credits.
Legislative leaders also highlighted the program’s impact as households face higher costs.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said the program helps “working families, seniors, and homeowners” manage rising expenses, while Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie called the $2 billion in relief “vital” amid high living costs.
How to get your payment faster
The state encourages homeowners to enroll in direct deposit through the Homeowner Benefit Portal in the Tax Department’s Online Services system.
To ensure timely delivery, officials recommend signing up at least 15 business days before local school tax due dates.
Homeowners can also:
Regional breakdown of STAR relief
What’s next
The state will also hold regional STAR seminars beginning in July to help homeowners sign up and maximize benefits. The first session is scheduled for Erie County on July 7, with additional sessions planned throughout the summer.
More information is available through the state’s STAR Resource Center.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY STAR payments are coming: What to know about checks, timing and amounts
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By New York Connect Team, USA Today Network | USA TODAY Network
