New York is sending out relief in a big way, with checks of up to $1,500 landing in residents’ mailboxes or bank accounts.
These payments are part of the long-standing STAR program (School Tax Relief), which is offering financial help to homeowners across the state. Whether you’re living in a house, condo, co-op, or even a farmhouse, you could be eligible if you meet the program’s requirements.
Over one million New Yorkers are expected to qualify for this summer and fall’s tax season payments under either the Basic STAR or Enhanced STAR program. That’s a total of $2.2 billion being funneled into property tax relief. If you’re already registered, you won’t have to do anything extra, just sit back and wait for your money. For those new to the program, it only takes one application to get locked in.
Under the Basic STAR credit, residents across New York City and Long Island can score anywhere from $350 to $600, depending on their income. To qualify, your property must be your primary residence, and your household income must be $500,000 or less. This credit shows up as a check or direct deposit to help knock down school tax costs. If you’re still enrolled under the older STAR exemption format, your income must be under $250,000, but this only applies to people who’ve been receiving the exemption since 2015.
Now for the Enhanced STAR, it’s strictly for seniors aged 65 and up. The income cap for 2025 is $107,300, while the cutoff for 2026 bumps up to $110,750. This benefit is a bit beefier, offering between $700 and $1,500. But unlike the Basic STAR, Enhanced recipients have to apply each year and show proof of income to stay in the game. Payments are only made for your primary residence, and all co-owners’ incomes are considered, including spouses living on the property.
Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that checks are already being sent out, and some homeowners may have already seen the savings automatically applied through their tax filings. Others will get their money between now and early fall. If you haven’t gotten anything yet, don’t panic, the state is still processing payments.
It’s also worth noting that STAR isn’t the only way to get relief in New York. Other statewide initiatives may offer additional free money, especially if you fall into special categories like senior citizens or those impacted by inflation or high property taxes.
For those unfamiliar, STAR has been a staple since 1998. It started as a program aimed at helping seniors but was later expanded to all homeowners in school districts across the state. By giving out partial property tax exemptions, STAR helps homeowners save hundreds of dollars each year. While many residents still benefit through tax reductions, others now get direct payments instead, either way, the goal is to cut down those ever-rising property taxes.
New York isn’t alone in rolling out big relief plans. Other programs across the country, like California’s middle-class refund or Maine’s energy rebates, have also been dishing out cash to help Americans weather financial pressure. But this STAR initiative remains one of the largest ongoing tax relief efforts on the East Coast.
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