New York State has officially rolled out the second phase of its School Tax Relief (STAR) program, offering financial relief to homeowners across the state. This initiative, introduced by Governor Kathy Hochul, aims to assist eligible residents by providing checks or direct deposits to ease the burden of school taxes.
With economic challenges affecting families, this program is a vital effort to help homeowners, especially during uncertain times.
What is the STAR Program?
The STAR program is designed to provide school tax relief to eligible homeowners in New York State. The goal is to reduce the amount of school taxes that homeowners need to pay, providing financial support to lighten the tax burden that funds public schools.
This program helps make it more affordable for residents to pay their school taxes while ensuring funds are available to maintain the quality of public education in the state.
Details of Phase Two of the STAR Program
In the second phase of the STAR program, the focus is on homeowners who live in communities with school tax due dates in August or September.
These eligible homeowners will start receiving their payments soon. By targeting these specific dates, the program ensures that financial aid reaches those who need it at the right time, easing the pressure during peak tax months.
How Much Will Homeowners Receive?
The amount of money homeowners will receive depends on several factors, including the individual’s status and the amount of school taxes owed. For most homeowners, the STAR benefits will range between $350 to $600.
However, for seniors, the benefit will be higher, with amounts ranging from $700 to $1,500. This tiered approach ensures that the program offers more support to seniors, who may be on fixed incomes.
Governor Hochul emphasized that the STAR program is part of the state’s broader effort to provide economic relief, saying, “The STAR program provides much-needed school tax relief to millions of New York homeowners.
My administration is putting money back in the pockets of families with the delivery of checks and credits that continue to reach hundreds of thousands of homeowners across the state.”
The STAR program is a crucial initiative for New York homeowners, especially in light of the increasing economic challenges faced by many families. With Phase Two now underway, eligible homeowners can expect to receive financial relief in the form of checks or direct deposits, helping reduce the burden of school taxes.
The program’s tiered benefit structure also ensures that seniors, who may need more support, receive larger payments. This effort highlights the state’s commitment to providing financial assistance and supporting its residents during challenging times.
