New STAR Program: How Families and Seniors Can Save on Property Taxes

Property taxes in New York can be expensive, especially for families and seniors. To help reduce these costs, New York State offers a program called STAR (School Tax Relief).

This program gives money back to eligible homeowners so they can better afford to live in New York.
 

What is the STAR Program?

STAR stands for School Tax Relief. It started in 1997 and was updated in 2016. Instead of getting a direct tax exemption, homeowners now get a refund or a check from the state.

The STAR program is important because it helps lower the amount homeowners pay in school taxes every year. With rising property prices and inflation, STAR is becoming even more valuable for New Yorkers.
 

Two Types of STAR Benefits

There are two versions of STAR:
 

• Basic STAR:
  • For most homeowners.
  • No age requirement.
  • The combined income of all owners and their spouses living in the home must be less than $500,000 per year for the credit, or $250,000 for the older exemption.
• Enhanced STAR:
  • For seniors age 65 or older.
  • At least one owner must be 65 by December 31 of the tax year.
  • The income limit for 2025 is $107,300 and will go up to $110,750 in 2026.
  • This benefit also applies to some widows (age 62 and older) and siblings living together if one is old enough.

To qualify for either benefit, the home must be your primary residence. Vacation homes or investment properties do not count.
 

What Kinds of Homes Qualify?

You can apply if you own:
 

• A single-family house
• A condo
• An apartment in a co-op
• A modular home
• A residential farm
• Corporate-owned homes and most homes owned by businesses do not qualify.

 

How Much Money Can You Get?

The amount you save depends on where you live and your local tax rates.
 

• Basic STAR: Most people get between $350 and $600 each year. In some places, like Nassau County, it can be as high as $630.
• Enhanced STAR: Seniors can save even more, usually between $700 and $1,500 a year. In New York City, the savings are just over $730, but in some suburban areas, it’s even higher.

You will get the money as a check from the state between July and December each year. These savings can lower your school taxes by up to 45% for many families.
 

How to Apply

Applying is easy. Go to the New York Tax Department website at tax.ny.gov and follow the instructions. Have your tax documents ready.

More than 1.5 million households are expected to benefit from the STAR Program by 2025. This program helps families and seniors keep their homes more affordable, even as property values rise.

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