Nearly 3 million New Yorkers will see School Tax Relief (STAR) benefits this summer and fall, with payments totaling $2.2 billion statewide. The program helps eligible homeowners reduce their school property tax burden — and depending on your location, you may already have received yours.
When to expect your STAR payment
The timing depends on how you receive the benefit:
- STAR exemption (discount directly on your tax bill): Reflected on your bill, which some homeowners already have.
- STAR credit check or direct deposit: Most will receive theirs in the summer or fall.
- Example timelines: Homeowners in New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse — where school taxes are due in July — should have received payments between late June and mid-July.
To track your payment or sign up for direct deposit, visit ny.gov/STAR.
How much you’ll get
Payments vary by county and local school tax rates:
- Most homeowners: $350–$600
- Retirees with Enhanced STAR: $700–$1,500
Regional breakdown for 2025 benefits:
- Long Island: $698.4 million
- Mid-Hudson: $488.5 million
- Finger Lakes: $205.2 million
- Western New York: $178.5 million
- New York City: $158.6 million
- Capital Region: $144.5 million
- Central New York: $131.1 million
- Southern Tier: $109.6 million
- Mohawk Valley: $66.3 million
- North Country: $47.2 million
Who qualifies for STAR benefits
To be eligible, you must:
Basic STAR
- Own a primary residence in New York
- Household income ≤ $500,000 for STAR credit, or ≤ $250,000 for STAR exemption
Enhanced STAR
- Age 65 or older
- Own a primary residence in New York
- Household income ≤ $107,300 for 2025 benefits
Additional rules:
- New homeowners must receive a check, not an exemption.
- Only homeowners who’ve owned their home since 2015 can still get the exemption.
- Switching from exemption to check may boost savings by up to 2% annually, while exemption amounts stay fixed.
Key takeaway
The STAR program remains a major tax relief for millions of New Yorkers — but payment amounts, methods, and timing vary widely. If you haven’t received yours yet, check the state’s STAR portal to confirm eligibility and track your benefit.
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