Staff Reporter
New York’s property-owning citizens are in for a welcome surprise this summer, as the state begins distributing STAR property tax relief checks under a sweeping $2.2 billion initiative. Nearly three million homeowners—especially those earning under $500,000—stand to gain from this financial cushion. With payments ranging from $350 to $1,500, depending on eligibility, the program offers a timely sigh of relief. From Long Island to New York City, the STAR credit promises to lighten the tax load, spark household cheer, and quietly ease burdens across all corners of the Empire State.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
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Nearly 3 million homeowners across New York to benefit
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$2.2 billion in property tax relief being distributed statewide
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Homeowners earning under $500,000 on their primary residence are eligible
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Checks to range from $350 to $600, seniors may receive $700 to $1,500
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Long Island receives largest share: $698.4 million for 582,000 homeowners
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NYC allocation: $158.6 million for 483,000 recipients
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STAR payments sent via check, direct deposit, or school tax exemption
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Rollout begins in late June, continuing through summer and fall
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Visit tax.ny.gov/star for details and eligibility
In a move aimed at offering some mid-year financial relief, nearly three million homeowners across New York State are set to benefit from a multi-billion dollar property tax relief effort. Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the summer rollout of the School Tax Relief program — more commonly known as STAR — which is expected to return $2.2 billion to residents in the form of direct payments.
The checks, or in some cases direct deposits, will begin arriving as early as next week and continue into the fall. For many homeowners — especially those feeling the squeeze from inflation, rising living costs, and housing expenses — the announcement couldn’t have come at a better time.
“Summer is here — and it’s also the start of STAR tax relief season for millions of New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said in a recent statement. “From tax credits to childcare assistance and much more, we’re continuing to put more money back in New Yorkers’ pockets.”
The STAR program isn’t new to residents, but this year’s scale of distribution highlights the growing significance of targeted tax relief in high-cost regions. The initiative is available to eligible homeowners whose primary residence is in New York State and whose income falls below $500,000. Seniors qualifying for the Enhanced STAR program — which offers a higher benefit — are also included in the summer disbursement.
Depending on eligibility, most recipients will see tax credits between $350 and $600, while qualifying seniors can expect between $700 and $1,500. The form of payment varies: some will see the benefit applied directly to their school tax bills, while others will receive checks or direct deposits.
The regional breakdown shows how the funds are being allocated based on school tax burdens. Long Island leads the list, with $698.4 million being distributed to 582,000 recipients. The Mid-Hudson region follows, with $488.5 million going to 404,000 households. In New York City, $158.6 million will be shared among 483,000 eligible residents.
Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Amanda Hiller, encouraged residents to explore the program if they haven’t already. “The STAR program delivers welcome tax relief, and we want every eligible homeowner to take advantage of it,” Hiller 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.”
Timing of the benefit is also tailored to tax due dates across the state. Residents in cities such as New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse — where property taxes are generally due in July — will receive their STAR benefits between late June and mid-July. For others in different counties, distributions will continue throughout the summer and into early fall.
The STAR program has long been seen as one of the state’s most tangible efforts to return money to taxpayers without changing income tax rates or property tax formulas. It works by either directly reducing the school portion of local property taxes (as an exemption) or providing an equivalent amount in cash through a refundable credit.
As political debate continues nationally over tax priorities, New York officials have pointedly contrasted their approach with federal policy.
“While Washington advances tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy and mega-corporations at the expense of millions of working Americans,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, “we in New York continue to champion the well-being of the middle class.”
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the relief is designed to offer flexibility to families. “These checks will allow families to spend their hard-earned money in the best way for their family,” he stated.
With the cost of living and property taxes remaining major concerns across the state, this season’s STAR program marks a timely and much-needed effort to ease the burden. Homeowners interested in reviewing their eligibility or tracking the status of their payment can visit the STAR Resource Center at tax.ny.gov/star for up-to-date information and enrollment options.
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