What is the STAR program?
The School Tax Relief Program (STAR) is a New York State program to enable homeowners to retain the money they pay for school property taxes. School property taxes are locally imposed and contribute to public schools, but may be expensive for many.
It is through STAR that the state provides direct relief payments or credits, which show up on tax bills. In 2025, the state distributed $2.2 billion to more than a million qualified homeowners. The payment differs depending on where you live and your income and can be as low as $350 or as high as $1,500.
Who qualifies for STAR?
There are two STAR benefits: Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR.
- Basic STAR: Available to families with a total income of $500,000 or less. You must also own your New York primary residence.
- Enhanced STAR: For seniors age 65 and above with a family income of $107,300 or less in 2025. Seniors must live in their primary residence in the state as well.
The sum you are actually going to get will be determined by your school tax rate in your area. That is the reason why some will get nearly $350, while others will get cheques and checks of up to $1,500.
What is being given?
The $2.2 billion relief package is being given to the regions of New York. The division of how much each region is getting is as follows:
- 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
These numbers show just how important the program is, with millions of families across the state being assisted.
When will payments be received?
The STAR payment plan started this summer. Residents of New York City, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse have already received their checks, with some being as early as June 16 and the rest in July.
For individuals who have not received their payment yet, there is also a system by the state where you can track the status of your payment online. There are no specific mailing dates given, but payments are still released during the fall season.
You can also sign up for direct deposit if you’d like the funds deposited directly into your bank account.
How do new homeowners qualify for STAR?
According to state policy, new homebuyers are not given a STAR exemption on the tax bill. They are, however, given a STAR check ahead of time. This is practical because they do not need to wait for a credit on their tax bill.
Residential property owners who own homes as of 2015 or prior years may still qualify for the STAR exemption.
Why STAR matters
Governor Kathy Hochul was positive, saying the program places money into families’ pockets. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie added that the STAR program is bringing real relief to more than three million homeowners throughout the state.
The program is especially needed these days, as the cost of living continues to increase across the state. With such basics as food, rent, and utilities increasing, a check in the several-hundred- or even the several-thousand-dollar range over $1,000 can truly assist in keeping families afloat.
Final thoughts
The STAR program is a reliable method of tax relief for New Yorkers, alleviating the burden of school property taxes while encouraging community education. Checks of up to $1,500 are already on their way, with additional payments being mailed in weeks to come.
If you qualify and did not get your check, you can check the status online or enroll in direct deposit to be paid sooner.
For millions of families across the state, the STAR program isn’t just tax relief—it’s a dose of cash help when they need it most.
Read this much later:
Can Trump keep the tariffs if the Supreme Court strikes them down?
Bad news for US manufacturers: tariffs were meant to help but they may be doing the opposite
Paul Renner launches gubernatorial bid in Florida, challenging Trump pick Bryon Donalds
