Nearly 3 million New York homeowners have started to receive property tax relief checks — an effort that is part of a $2.2 billion kickback funded by the state’s School Tax Relief program.
“Summer is here — and it’s also the start of STAR tax relief season for millions of New Yorkers,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a press release about the program earlier this year. “From tax credits to childcare assistance and much more, we’re continuing to put more money back in New Yorkers’ pockets.”
The program, which provides property tax relief to eligible homeowners and seniors statewide and is commonly referred to as STAR, started distributing checks in June, with deliveries continuing throughout the coming months.
Homeowners with incomes under $500,000 are generally eligible for the STAR credit on their primary residence.
According to the release, most homeowners eligible for a STAR credit will receive between $350 and $600, while seniors qualifying for Enhanced STAR can expect between $700 and $1,500. While some recipients have already received their benefit as a tax exemption, many others will get their relief as a tax credit via check or direct deposit.
The tax relief will be distributed across all regions of the state, with Long Island receiving the largest share at $698.4 million for 582,000 recipients, followed by the Mid-Hudson region at $488.5 million for 404,000 recipients. New York City will see $158.6 million distributed among 483,000 recipients.
Amanda Hiller, acting commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, encouraged all eligible homeowners to take advantage of the program.
“The STAR program delivers welcome tax relief, and we want every eligible homeowner to take advantage of it,” she said. “If you’re a new homeowner, or you are currently not receiving a STAR benefit on your primary residence, check out the Tax Department’s website to see how you can enroll and start saving.”
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins contrasted New York’s approach with federal policies, saying: “While Washington advances tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy and mega-corporations at the expense of millions of working Americans, we in New York continue to champion the well-being of the middle class.”
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie added that the relief checks will allow people “to spend their hard-earned money in the best way for their family.”
Homeowners in areas with July tax due dates — including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse — should have received their STAR benefits between late June and mid-July. Benefits for other parts of the state will continue to roll out throughout the summer and fall.
STAR benefits are based partly on local school taxes and vary by county of residence. Homeowners receive their benefit either as an exemption reducing their school tax bill or as a credit issued via check or direct deposit. For more information about the STAR program, or to track your check delivery, can visit the Tax Department’s STAR Resource Center at tax.ny.gov/star.
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