Most homeowners with an income below $500,000 per year will receive between $350 to $600 in tax relief, while seniors who earn below $110,750 are eligible for $700 to $1,500. Some will be in the form of tax exemptions in the 2026 tax year, while many others will receive checks. 

In her announcement, Hochul explained, “[F]or many homeowners, it’ll be an extra $350 to $600 in their pockets. And with that money, you can maybe fill up your gas tank — hopefully more than once, and make a couple of car payments, and get some groceries, and buy some school clothes if you’ve got little kids.” 

She continued, “But for seniors, the benefit is even bigger. Many are on fixed income; they’re not bringing in income every single paycheck anymore. And eligible seniors will receive between $700 and $1,500 in relief. And so that’s the relief that they can count on.”

The tax relief comes at a time when the living expenses Gov. Hochul mentioned are at a steep cost. Gas prices remain high as the war in Iran continues, and grocery bills climb above the national average in New York City. These checks, the governor said, will allow New Yorkers to have a moment of breathing room this summer when accounting for these everyday expenses. 

Many local lawmakers celebrated Hochul’s announcement, emphasizing its connection to rising costs for the average New Yorker. 

Assembly Member Landon C. Dais (D-Bronx) suggested that “these programs can help ensure that New Yorkers can remain in their homes and afford the rising cost of living.”

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Queens) agreed, highlighting the benefits of the relief for his constituents and New York residents as a whole: “This next phase means thousands of New Yorkers will see money returned to their pockets when they need them most.”

Assembly Member Chantel Jackson (D-Bronx) spotlighted how this program helps New York City residents specifically: “Here in New York City alone, nearly 474,000 recipients will receive approximately $149.7 million in tax relief, demonstrating the significant impact this program has on working families, older adults, and communities across our city.”

Eligible New Yorkers can visit ny.gov/STAR for updates on their check’s delivery status.