Nearly three million New Yorkers will soon receive property tax relief checks ranging from $350 to $1,500, as the state rolls out its annual STAR program. The tax relief, totaling $2.2 billion, will be distributed throughout the summer and early fall.
What is STAR and who qualifies?
The School Tax Relief (STAR) program provides homeowners and older New Yorkers with assistance toward their property tax bills. Depending on household income and eligibility, residents may receive either a Basic STAR credit or an Enhanced STAR credit.
Here’s what recipients can expect:
- Homeowners earning under $500,000: Checks between $350 and $600
- Retirees earning under $107,300: Enhanced STAR checks from $700 to $1,500
Some homeowners have already received their benefit as a tax exemption, but most will get their relief as a check or direct deposit.
When will checks be sent?
The first checks will begin arriving next week, with rolling deliveries continuing into the early fall. The schedule depends on when school property taxes are due in your region.
- Cities like Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and NYC: Expect checks between late June and mid-July
- Other areas: Checks will be issued before local school tax deadlines
How to track your payment
Residents can check their STAR status and track delivery or enroll in direct deposit at ny.gov/STAR.
To receive your benefit faster:
- Enroll in the Homeowner Benefit Portal
- Sign up for direct deposit at least 15 days before payments are issued
If not enrolled in time, recipients will get a physical check this year and direct deposit next year.
Regional STAR tax relief totals
The $2.2 billion in relief will be distributed across every region of New York:
| Region | Tax Relief | Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| Finger Lakes | $205.2 million | 279,000 |
| Long Island | $698.4 million | 582,000 |
| Mid-Hudson | $488.5 million | 404,000 |
| New York City | $158.6 million | 483,000 |
| Capital District | $144.5 million | 242,000 |
| Western NY | $178.5 million | 320,000 |
Why this matters
With inflation and housing costs straining household budgets, this direct financial relief offers critical help—particularly for older people on fixed incomes and middle-class families.
Governor Hochul called the effort “part of putting more money back in New Yorkers’ pockets,” and encouraged eligible homeowners to check their enrollment status and ensure their payment method is up to date.
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