STAR benefits will be making their way into New Yorkers’ mailboxes and bank accounts soon. The state’s School Tax Relief, or STAR, program gives eligible homeowners a break on school property taxes. This year, almost 3 million residents will receive $2.2 billion in tax relief this summer and fall, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“Summer is here — and it’s also the start of STAR tax relief season for millions of New Yorkers,” Hochul said. “From tax credits to child care assistance and much more, we’re continuing to put more money back in New Yorkers’ pockets.”
Here’s what to know about this year’s STAR benefit.
When should you expect your STAR benefit?
If you qualify for a STAR exemption, or up-front savings that come directly off your tax bill, it would be reflected on your tax bill, which some recipients have already received.
If you receive a STAR credit check or have signed up for the STAR Credit Direct Deposit program instead, you’ll be getting your tax relief soon in most regions of the state as check deliveries will begin next week.
For example, registered and eligible homeowners living in New York City, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse will receive their benefit by mid-July, Hochul says, since those parts of the state have school tax due dates in July.
To track your check delivery or enroll in direct deposit, visit ny.gov/STAR.
How much will you get?
It depends. How much you’ll receive relies partly on local school taxes and varies depending on the county you live in. Most eligible homeowners will receive between $350-600 and most seniors eligible for an Enhanced STAR credit will receive between $700-1,500, according to the state.
Here’s how much each region will receive this year:
Do I qualify for a STAR benefit?
Possibly. Basic STAR recipients must:
And seniors are eligible for Enhanced STAR if they are:
The state requires that new homeowners be issued a check instead of an exemption. In order to receive an exemption currently, homeowners must have owned their home since 2015, according to state law.
Homeowners can switch from an exemption to a check, and those who opt to do so could see the value of their STAR savings increase annually because, by law, the STAR credit can increase by as much as 2% each year, according to the state. The value of STAR exemptions cannot increase.
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY STAR checks: When will yours arrive?
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
