Tax relief payments under the STAR program in New York are about to be distributed. Here's what you need to know.
New York homeowners can look forward to property tax relief through the School Tax Relief Program (STAR) and its enhanced counterpart, Enhanced STAR (E-STAR). Here's what you need to know about these programs for the 2026 benefits.
STAR and E-STAR consist of two programs designed to help homeowners with their property taxes. Eligibility for both programs requires homeowners to own and live in their primary residence, but there are some differences in the criteria.
For STAR, there is no age requirement, and the total household income limit is $500,000 or less. In contrast, E-STAR requires homeowners to be 65 or older by the end of the calendar year, have a total household income of $110,750 or less, and already have the STAR exemption (unless applying for the credit for the first time).
The homeowner benefit portal is a valuable resource for New York State homeowners, allowing them to check the accuracy of their information and resolve any issues they may have.
Enrollment for the STAR or E-STAR exemption only applies to those who need re-enrollment or would like to switch from basic STAR to E-STAR. The deadline for application is set by the locality for the following tax year, most commonly on March 1, but it's essential to check with your local assessor's office for details.
Enrollment for the STAR or E-STAR credit can be completed through the state's website at www.tax.ny.gov/star/ or by calling (518) 457-2036.
Payments for STAR and E-STAR credits have already started going out in Buffalo, NYC, Rochester, and Syracuse, with more payments expected in August, September, and October. If your application was accepted in a later year, you will receive your STAR benefit via check or direct deposit.
If you were made eligible in the 2015 tax year or earlier, you could receive a tax exemption. However, for 2026 benefits, the income limit for E-STAR increases to $110,750 or less. It's important to note that income documents are required to verify eligibility.
The amount of tax reduction may vary depending on the school district. For Basic STAR homeowners, the tax reduction could be between $350 and $600, while for E-STAR homeowners, it could be between $700 and $1,500.
To check when to expect your STAR credit, use this tool with your zip code. If you opted for a mailed check, watch your mail throughout the end of the year.
For more information, visit the New York State Tax Department's website at www.tax.ny.gov/star/.
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Managing personal finance includes understanding the School Tax Relief Program (STAR) and its enhanced counterpart, Enhanced STAR (E-STAR), which provide property tax relief to New York homeowners. To be eligible for both programs, homeowners must own and reside in their primary residence, but there are differences in the criteria. While STAR has no age requirement and a total household income limit of $500,000 or less, E-STAR requires homeowners to be 65 or older by the end of the year, have a total household income of $110,750 or less, and already have the STAR exemption (unless applying for the credit for the first time). Enrollment for the STAR or E-STAR exemption/credit can be done through the state's website at www.tax.ny.gov/star/ or by calling (518) 457-2036.
