Your summer plans may have just gotten a welcome financial boost.
Thanks to New York's School Tax Relief (STAR) program, nearly 3 million New Yorkers are set to share a $2 billion pool of property tax relief this season, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul's office.
Even better news? The state recently overhauled the application process to make claiming your check easier than ever.
So if you want to know how much cash you qualify for, how the simplified rules affect you, and exactly when your check will arrive, here is everything you need to know.
Related: New York 'POWER' Utility Rebates On the Way: Who Gets a Check?
NY STAR program eligibility
STAR is two programs rolled into one: Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR (E-STAR). While both provide school district property tax relief, they have different eligibility requirements:
STAR eligibility:
- Has no age requirement.
- Requires that you own and live in your primary residence.
- Stipulates total income of the household to be $500k or less for the credit ($250k or less for the exemption).
E-STAR eligibility:
- One resident owner of the property must be 65 or older by the end of the calendar year.
- Requires that you must own and live in your primary residence.
- Requires that you must already have the STAR credit (unless you're filing a first-time application).
- For 2026 benefits, only income based on residents (and their spouses) must be $110,750 or less (2027 benefits have an income limit of $113,550 or less).
Pro-tip: “Income” for both programs is calculated via the federal adjusted gross income (AGI) minus any taxable amounts of IRAs or annuities. Income documents are required to establish eligibility.
What's changed in 2026?
Income threshold calculations. Eligibility is now determined using only the income of owners (and their spouses) who actually live at the property. If you are listed on the deed but reside somewhere else, your income no longer counts against the threshold.
Loosened relationship rules. Previously, co-owners had to be spouses or siblings to qualify for E-STAR under one person's age; now, the relationship between co-owners doesn't matter, as long as one resident owner is 65 or older by the end of 2026.
For further eligibility information, check out the state’s website.
How much is the New York STAR credit?
The tax reduction for each household could be $350 to $600 for Basic STAR homeowners, and $700 to $1,500 for those who qualify for E-STAR, per Gov. Hochul's office.
However, it’s important to note that it may depend on your school district. For example, some Albany County residents will receive as much as $1,733 in tax savings. Eligible homeowners in Suffolk can receive as much as $4,724.
Your tax savings could also depend on which city you live in, whether you qualify for Basic STAR or E-STAR, and how much school tax you pay.
Here's when the NY STAR rebate goes out
Your payment delivery schedule largely depends on where you live.
For instance, Buffalo, NYC, Rochester, and Syracuse checks are getting mailed between now and mid-July.
Other areas may see their checks arrive in August, September, or as late as October. But you can use your zip code and this tool to see when to expect your STAR credit.
Or, if you like a surprise and opted for a mailed check, be sure to watch your mail throughout the end of the year.
Do I have to apply for NY STAR every year?
No. Both STAR and E-STAR credits automatically renew after your initial registration.
If you're an older homeowner who has been receiving the traditional E-STAR exemption, that exemption also rolls over automatically as long as you're eligible. However, the exemption program is closed to new applicants.
- First-time STAR recipients must enroll for the tax credit through the state’s website at www.tax.ny.gov/star/ or by calling (518) 457-2036.
- You can also check your registration status via the Homeowner Benefit Portal . This portal helps New York State homeowners verify the accuracy of their information and resolve any processing issues.
Applications for STAR are accepted year-round. But if you want your NY STAR credit sent via direct deposit, you must enroll in that payment method at least 15 business days before your local school tax delivery schedule begins (use the state's online lookup tool to determine the date).
Turning 65 in 2026? You no longer need a manual upgrade to E-STAR. The New York State Department of Taxation automatically tracks your age and income via tax records and will now upgrade your credit from Basic to E-STAR for you.
NY STAR credit vs. exemption
The STAR and E-STAR programs come as a tax exemption or tax credit.
If you were made eligible in the 2015 tax year or earlier, you could receive an exemption. The tax exemption will be a reduction on your annual school tax bill.
If your application was accepted in a later year, you will receive your STAR benefit via check or direct deposit.
