New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) Program
The New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) program provides property tax relief to eligible homeowners. The program is administered by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and is available to homeowners in school districts throughout the state.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the STAR program, homeowners must meet the following criteria:
- Own and live in their primary residence
- Have a combined income of $500,000 or less (for the STAR credit) or $250,000 or less (for the STAR exemption)
- Live in a school district that is participating in the program
- Apply for the program by the deadline
Benefits
The STAR program provides two types of benefits:
- STAR credit: This benefit is available to homeowners who earn $500,000 or less and provides a reduction on the homeowner’s school tax bill. The amount of the credit varies depending on the school district and the homeowner’s income. The average benefit is $700 per year.
- STAR exemption: This benefit is available to homeowners who earn $250,000 or less and provides an exemption on a portion of the homeowner’s property value. The amount of the exemption varies depending on the school district and the homeowner’s income. The average benefit is $3,000 per year.
How to Apply
Homeowners must apply for the STAR program by the deadline. The application deadline varies depending on the school district. Homeowners can apply for the program online, by phone, or by mail. Homeowners who are eligible for the STAR exemption must reapply every year, while homeowners who are eligible for the STAR credit will automatically receive the benefit each year.
Conclusion
The New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) program can provide significant property tax relief to eligible homeowners. Homeowners who meet the eligibility criteria should consider applying for the program to take advantage of the benefits available.