Key facts
- Nearly 3 million New Yorkers will receive over $2 billion in property tax relief via the STAR program.
- Homeowners eligible for STAR credit will receive $350-$600, while seniors with Enhanced STAR will get $700-$1,500.
- Payments are being distributed as exemptions or refundable state income tax credits.
- The relief aims to address high property tax burdens and affordability challenges in New York.
- Long Island and Mid-Hudson regions will receive over half of the total STAR dollars.
New York is set to distribute approximately $2.1 billion in property tax relief to nearly 3 million homeowners through its School Tax Relief (STAR) program. Governor Kathy Hochul's office announced that the relief aims to mitigate the state's high property tax burden, with payments being issued throughout the summer and fall.
Eligible homeowners are expected to receive between $350 and $600 through the STAR credit, while seniors qualifying for the Enhanced STAR credit will receive between $700 and $1,500. These benefits will be delivered either as an exemption on school tax bills or as a refundable state income tax credit via check or direct deposit.
The timing and scale of these payouts are significant for the housing market, as property taxes are a major component of monthly housing costs in New York. Predictable relief can help homeowners manage expenses, reduce the pressure to sell, and potentially decrease delinquency risks, according to housing professionals.
Geographically, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson region are slated to receive the largest portions of the relief, totaling over half of the statewide distribution. These areas are noted as high-cost housing markets.
Eligibility for STAR benefits is based on owner-occupancy of a primary residence and income limits, with most homeowners earning below $500,000 qualifying for basic STAR and seniors earning below $110,750 qualifying for enhanced STAR. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is actively encouraging all eligible homeowners to register for the program, promoting a direct deposit option to expedite payments.