Some New Yorkers have already received their STAR checks, while others will receive theirs by the end of the year.
But when?
Knowing when the money will arrive is important for many families. New York state offers a way for homeowners to get a general idea of when they can expect their School Tax Relief, or STAR, benefit.
The STAR program provides eligible New York homeowners with property tax relief on school taxes.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers will receive a combined $2.1 billion in property tax relief through the program, according to the state Department of Taxation and Finance.
Here's what you need to know and how to determine when your STAR benefit should arrive.
When should you expect your STAR benefit?
If you qualify for a STAR exemption, the benefit is applied directly to your school
property tax bill. Some recipients have already seen the savings reflected on their bills.
If you receive a STAR credit check or have signed up for the STAR Credit Direct Deposit program, your benefit will be delivered separately.
To track your STAR check or enroll in direct deposit, visit ny.gov/STAR.
How can you find your delivery timeframe?
The state has a tool that allows eligible homeowners to enter their county, town and school district to see when STAR benefits are expected to be issued in their area.
Check your STAR delivery timeframe here.
How much will you get?
It depends.
The amount of your STAR benefit varies based in part on local school taxes and the county where you live.
According to the state, most eligible homeowners will receive between $350 and $600. Most seniors who qualify for Enhanced STAR will receive between $700 and $1,500.
Here's how much each region will receive this year:
- Long Island: $659.2 million
- Mid-Hudson: $461.1 million
- Finger Lakes: $193.7 million
- Western New York: $168.5 million
- New York City: $149.7 million
- Capital Region: $136.4 million
- Central New York: $123.7 million
- Southern Tier: $103.4 million
- Mohawk Valley: $62.5 million
- North Country: $44.5 million
Do I qualify for a STAR benefit?
Possibly. Basic STAR recipients must:
- Own a primary residence in New York.
- Have household income of $500,000 or less for the STAR credit, or $250,000 or less for the STAR exemption.
Seniors may qualify for Enhanced STAR if they:
- Are 65 or older.
- Own a primary residence in New York.
- Have income of $110,750 or less for 2026 benefits.
The state requires that new homeowners be issued a check instead of an exemption. In order to receive an exemption currently, homeowners must have owned their home since 2015, according to state law.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: When will your New York STAR payment arrive?
