Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the start of phase two of the School Tax Relief (STAR) program benefit season on Tuesday, July 22.
She said eligible homeowners in communities with school tax due dates in August or September will start receiving their STAR benefit in the coming weeks.
The governor said most homeowners eligible for a STAR credit will receive a check between $350 and $600.
Hochul said most seniors eligible for an Enhanced STAR credit will receive a check between $700 and $1,500.
“The STAR program provides needed school tax relief to millions of New York homeowners — and the program is now in full swing,” she said. “During a time of financial uncertainty due to funding cuts by Republicans in Washington, my administration is putting money back in the pockets of families with check and credit deliveries continuing to go out to hundreds of thousands of homeowners statewide.”
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller said, “Visit our STAR resource page to sign up for STAR if you are a new homeowner and, if you’re an existing homeowner, to check on when your STAR credit or direct deposit will arrive.”
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “At a time when Republicans in Washington are slashing funding and leaving working families with uncertainty, the STAR program remains a lifeline for millions of homeowners, helping ease the burden of rising property taxes and helping working families stay afloat.
“With phase two of STAR benefits now underway, checks and credits of up to $1,500 are reaching hundreds of thousands of households,” she said. “The Senate Democratic Majority worked closely with Gov. Hochul and our colleagues in the Assembly to ensure that, in addition to STAR, we also delivered Inflation Rebate Checks, expanded child care assistance, and boosted child tax credits.
“These initiatives reflect our dedication to putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers,” Stewart-Cousins added.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, “While the administration in Washington is creating financial uncertainty for families across the country, here in New York, we’re working to put money back in the pockets of New York families. Because of the STAR program, more than three million homeowners across the state will receive $2.2 billion in tax relief, easing the financial burden on families and putting money back into our communities.”
Phase one saw STAR credits and checks delivered to parts of the state with school tax due dates in June and July – including New York City, Yonkers, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. STAR deliveries to these regions were completed last week.
Hochul said the STAR program provides property tax relief to eligible New York State homeowners.
She said that during STAR benefit season, which runs from June to November, nearly three million homeowners will receive more than $2.2 billion in property tax relief through the program.
The governor said homeowners eligible and enrolled in the STAR program receive their benefit each year in one of two ways: as an exemption that reduces their school tax bill, or as a credit issued as a check or direct deposit.
She said those who receive the STAR credit as a check or direct deposit can visit the STAR Credit Delivery Schedule to learn when credits will be issued in their area.
Hochul said homeowners who enroll fewer than 15 days before their STAR credit is issued will receive a check this year, and direct deposit will begin next year.
State Sen. Leroy Comrie said, “This next phase of the STAR program is welcome news for homeowners across Southeast Queens.
“Putting money back in people’s pockets helps ease the burden of rising costs and lets families stay rooted in the communities they’ve built their lives in,” he said. “I thank Gov. Hochul for keeping this commitment to New Yorkers.”
State Sen. Roxanne J. Persaud said, “This vital tax relief means eligible homeowners, especially seniors, can expect to receive their STAR or Enhanced STAR payments in the coming weeks.
“Nearly three million New Yorkers will receive over $2.2 billion this season, which is real support that eases financial strain and puts money back into our communities,” said the Guyanese-born representative for the 19th Senate District in Brooklyn.
Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn said, “Gov. Hochul’s rollout of Phase 2 of the STAR Tax Relief Program represents a critical investment in the well-being of New York homeowners – particularly our seniors living on fixed incomes and hardworking families striving every day to make ends meet.
“At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, this property tax relief helps ensure residents can remain in their homes and maintain long-term financial stability,” added the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn and chairs the Brooklyn Democratic Party.
“The STAR program does more than deliver a check—it delivers tranquility and strengthens the very foundation of our neighborhoods,” he continued. “I applaud Gov. Hochul for prioritizing this vital support and for ensuring that these benefits are delivered efficiently and equitably to millions of New Yorkers.”
