Millions of New Yorkers will soon see extra money arriving in their mailboxes as the state begins distributing the latest round of School Tax Relief (STAR) payments, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The checks, worth up to $1,500, start going out this week and will continue through summer and fall.
Nearly three million homeowners will share in $2.2 billion of property tax relief this year.
What Is the STAR Program?
Launched in 1997, the STAR program helps homeowners manage high school tax bills. Instead of reducing taxes directly, the state provides checks or credits to cover part of the amount owed to local school districts, according to The US Sun.
- Basic STAR: For homeowners earning under $500,000, payments range between $350 and $600.
- Enhanced STAR: For seniors with incomes below $107,300, benefits range from $700 to $1,500.
“The STAR program delivers welcome tax relief, and we want every eligible homeowner to take advantage of it,” said Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller.
Who Is Eligible and How to Get Payments?
Payments are automatic for homeowners already registered in the program. Some households may have received their STAR benefit earlier this year as a tax exemption instead of a check.
For new homeowners or those not enrolled, eligibility details are available on the New York State Tax Department website.
When Will Payments Arrive?
Payment distribution depends on local school tax due dates:
- NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse: Checks already sent in July.
- Long Island: Will receive the largest share — $698 million for over 500,000 households.
- Hudson Valley: About $489 million in relief.
- Capital District: Around $145 million for 242,000 homeowners.
- Upstate Regions: Hundreds of millions shared among the Finger Lakes, Western NY, and Central NY.
Why It Matters
Lawmakers say the program is critical for families coping with inflation.
“The checks will help families cover everyday costs and keep more money in their pockets,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins added that the program shows New York’s commitment to working families as federal support programs end.
