New York STAR stimulus: Who qualifies for school tax relief this August?

New York STAR stimulus: Homeowners in New York are seeing some welcome news this summer and into the fall, as the state has started sending out checks and credits from the School Tax Relief program, better known as STAR. This program is giving almost 3 million residents a share of $2.2 billion to help make school property taxes a little easier to handle.

For a lot of people, the timing of these payments is lining up with the back-to-school season, so it’s coming as a big help when expenses tend to pile up. Some homeowners have already received their benefits over the past few weeks, especially in places where property tax deadlines fall in July.

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But plenty of others are still waiting, and the state will keep sending checks and direct deposits all the way through the end of the year. STAR has been an important source of support for many households for years, and this year is no different.

What is STAR Program?

The STAR Program is a special New York State benefit that helps homeowners by cutting down their school property taxes. It comes in two main types.

• The first is Basic STAR, which is for homeowners with incomes up to $500,000.
• The second is Enhanced STAR, which is for seniors 65 and older or couples where at least one person is 65 who have combined incomes of $107,300 or less for the 2025 fiscal year.

This year’s property tax relief payments are going out in waves. Many payments were already sent in June and July, but more will be sent in August, September, and October. To get the money, homeowners need to meet the income limits and other eligibility rules based on which STAR benefit they qualify for.

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When People can Expect the Money?

Some people already have their check in hand, while others might see it show up in their mailbox or bank account in the coming weeks or months. The state is making sure the payments roll out on schedule, but exact dates depend on the local tax deadlines in each area. By the time the year wraps up, almost all eligible homeowners will have received their share of the $2.2 billion.

STAR Credit:

• Own and live in the home as your primary residence.
• Have a total household income of $500,000 or less for the STAR credit.
• Have a total household income of $250,000 or less for the STAR extension.

To be eligible for the Enhanced STAR credit:

• Be 65 years of age or older by the end of the calendar year (you, your spouse or your sibling living on the property).
• Be the owner and live in the home as your primary residence.
• Have a total household income of $107,300 or less (for 2025 benefits).