The STAR (School Tax Relief) program is a New York State initiative designed to help homeowners reduce their property tax burden. This year, thousands of eligible taxpayers can expect to receive payments or tax credits aimed at making their homes more affordable.
If you’re a homeowner in New York State, here’s what you need to know about the STAR program for the 2025 fiscal year.
What is the STAR Program?
The STAR program offers tax relief to New York State homeowners who meet certain income and residency requirements. It provides rebates or credits to help offset the cost of school district property taxes. The two main components of the program are:
- Basic STAR: Available to homeowners whose primary residence is in New York State, with an income limit of $250,000.
- Enhanced STAR: Aimed at seniors aged 65 or older, this program has a lower income cap of $98,700. The Enhanced STAR program provides more substantial relief compared to Basic STAR, especially for senior citizens.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount of the rebate depends on the municipality and school district where you live. Since property taxes vary based on location, there isn’t a fixed amount for the STAR check.
However, most payments typically range from $400 to $1,000. The rebate amount is calculated based on your local school property tax, so the benefit will vary depending on where you reside.
How to Check If You Will Receive a STAR Check
Residents of New York State can easily check the status of their STAR check by visiting the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance’s official portal.
The department provides a tool that allows you to track your payment by entering personal information, such as your social security number or taxpayer identification number.
It’s also important to note that STAR checks are mailed in batches, so not all beneficiaries will receive their payments at the same time. It’s a good idea to regularly check your payment status if you’re enrolled in the program and have filed the correct information on your most recent tax return.
Direct Credit for Some Beneficiaries
For certain STAR recipients, the rebate will not be issued as a physical check. Instead, it may appear as a direct credit on your property tax bill. This happens depending on your enrollment type, so if you’re eligible for this method, you’ll see the benefit applied directly to reduce your next property tax payment.
Possible Delays and Issues to Watch For
If you’ve recently moved, updated your address, or changed your tax status, your payment may be delayed or missed. It’s crucial to ensure that your address and tax information are up to date with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to avoid any issues.
STAR Program Exemption
For those enrolled in the STAR program, New York State offers a property tax exemption for the first $30,000 of the total value of your primary residence. To qualify for this exemption, homeowners must have an income limit of $500,000.
The Enhanced STAR program, which is more generous, provides an exemption for the first $86,100 of the total value of your principal residence. This applies to homeowners over 65 with an income of up to $107,300 for the 2025-2026 school year.
Who Gets the STAR Benefit?
The STAR benefit is exclusive to school district taxes. It does not apply to county, town, or city taxes, except for in the metropolitan areas of New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse, where the exemption is split between both municipal and school taxes.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates, always refer to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website. It is recommended to avoid misinformation that might circulate on social media or unverified forums. The official website is the best source for accurate and up-to-date information on the STAR program.
The STAR program is an essential resource for many New York homeowners seeking relief from high property taxes. With rebates or credits mailed out in July 2025, it’s important to ensure that your information is current and that you understand the process for tracking and receiving your benefit.
If you’re eligible, the STAR program can offer significant savings—helping ease the burden of property taxes for thousands of residents in New York State.
