New York STAR Property Tax Relief
Last updated: June 12, 2026
New York's School Tax Relief (STAR) program lowers the school property tax burden for eligible homeowners. If you own your home and it is your primary residence, you may receive a STAR benefit each year either as a credit (a check or direct deposit) or as a reduction on your school tax bill. This guide explains who qualifies and how to register.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for STAR you must own your home and it must be your primary residence. For the Basic STAR benefit, the combined income of the owners and their spouses must be $500,000 or less. There is also an Enhanced STAR benefit for senior homeowners (age 65 and older) who meet a lower income limit. Exact income thresholds and senior rules are set by New York State and can change year to year, so confirm the current limits at the official source.
STAR credit vs. STAR exemption
There are two ways to receive the benefit. With the STAR credit, the Tax Department issues your benefit as a check or direct deposit that you can use to pay your school taxes. With the STAR exemption, the benefit is applied directly as a reduction on your school property tax bill. New homeowners and those newly eligible register for the STAR credit rather than the exemption.
How much is the benefit?
The dollar value of a STAR benefit varies by your location, your school district, and which benefit (Basic or Enhanced) you qualify for. Because the amount depends on local school tax rates, there is no single statewide figure — check the official New York State STAR resources for an estimate specific to your area.
How to register and official source
You register for the STAR credit through the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. This information is based on the official STAR resource center: tax.ny.gov/star. Verify current eligibility, income limits, and registration steps there before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the income limit for Basic STAR?
For the Basic STAR benefit, the combined income of the owners and their spouses must be $500,000 or less. Enhanced STAR for seniors uses a lower income limit set by the state.
What is the difference between the STAR credit and the STAR exemption?
The STAR credit is issued as a check or direct deposit you can use toward your school taxes, while the STAR exemption is applied as a reduction directly on your school property tax bill. New applicants register for the credit.
How much will I get from STAR?
The amount varies based on your school district and local tax rates, and whether you qualify for Basic or Enhanced STAR. Check the official tax.ny.gov/star resources for an estimate for your area.
How do I register for STAR?
You register for the STAR credit through the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at tax.ny.gov/star. You must own the home and use it as your primary residence.
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