Homeowners who satisfy specific qualifications are eligible to participate in the School Tax Relief (STAR) program, which is an initiative of the New York State government aimed to reduce the burden of property taxes on homeowners. It is possible for those who meet the requirements to get tax credits or rebates through this scheme.
It is during the month of July that these payments are sent out via mail. As of this year, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has made the announcement that they would begin mailing STAR checks for the fiscal year 2025. This will be of great assistance to thousands of taxpayers.
- Those homeowners who are eligible for the program are those who have their primary residence located inside the state and whose annual incomes are lower than the restrictions that have been established. There is a ceiling of $250,000 for the Basic STAR program, while the Enhanced STAR program, which is geared for elderly citizens over the age of 65, has a restriction of $98.700 for the maximum income. The Enhanced program provides the most generous reimbursement, while the other program offers a variety of reliefs that are distinct from one another.
- Due to the fact that the amount is determined by the local school property tax, the amount of payments that are sent to the beneficiary varies depending on the municipality and school district in which they will be living. As a result, there is no single sum; nevertheless, it is predicted that the majority of payments will fall somewhere between $400 and $1,000.
How do you know if you will receive the stimulus check in New York?
Users who are residents of the state of New York have the ability to check the status of their STAR check by using the official portal provided by the Department of Taxation of the state. In order to keep track of payments, the website provides a feature that allows users to enter fundamental personal information, such as their social security number or taxpayer identity number.
It is also important to note that checks are distributed in batches, which means that not all recipients receive payment at the same time. In the event that you are registered in the program and have satisfied the requirements on your most recent tax return, it is strongly suggested that you check the status of the shipment on a regular basis.
Although it is important to note that some beneficiaries will no longer receive a tangible check, the benefit will be represented as a direct credit on their tax bill, depending on the kind of enrollment. This is something that should be taken into consideration. It is possible that individuals who have recently relocated, who have not updated their address, or who have altered their tax status will experience delays or will be excluded from the payment cycle.
The first $30,000 of the total value of principal houses that are occupied by the owner are exempt from property tax under the STAR program. In order to be eligible, the maximum income is $500,000
During the 2025-2026 academic year, the expanded STAR program is a benefit that is available to all individuals who are over the age of 65 and have incomes that are up to $107,300. The initial 86,100 dollars of the entire worth of their primary residence during that time period is exempt from payment without any further obligation.
Please note that this benefit is only applicable to taxes paid by school districts. With the exception of the metropolitan areas of New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse, it does not cover taxes levied by the states, municipalities, or counties. In each of these five urban centers, the exemption is distributed between the municipal taxes and the school costs.
It is encouraged that individuals seek out credible sources in order to avoid falling prey to disinformation that is circulating on social networks or forums that are not verified. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance maintains persistent updates on its official website, which can be accessed for additional information.
