How Do New York Homeowners Claim the STAR Property Tax Credit in 2026?

Many New York homeowners leave hundreds of dollars a year on the table simply because they never signed up for a program they already qualify for. According to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, the state is distributing roughly $2 billion in STAR (School Tax Relief) benefits to homeowners this fall, and the credit only reaches owners who have registered.

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What is the STAR program and how much is going out this fall?

STAR stands for School Tax Relief, a New York State program that reduces the school tax portion of a homeowner's property tax bill. According to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, the state is distributing roughly $2 billion in STAR benefits this fall. Most newer homeowners receive it as a STAR credit, paid by check or direct deposit, while some longtime owners still receive it as an exemption that lowers the bill directly. The exact dollar amount depends on your school district and location.

Who qualifies for Basic STAR in 2026?

Basic STAR is for homeowners whose primary residence is in New York State and whose combined household income is $500,000 or less for the credit. The benefit is typically a check worth about $350 to $600 per year, though the exact amount varies by school district. Second homes and investment properties do not qualify, since the home must be the owner's primary residence. Older STAR exemptions use a lower income limit of $250,000, so the 2 versions of the program are not identical.

Who qualifies for Enhanced STAR in 2026?

Enhanced STAR is for senior homeowners age 65 and older with combined household income of $110,750 or less for the 2026 to 2027 school year. The benefit is larger, typically about $700 to $1,500 per year. Income limits change each year, so a senior who was over the limit in a prior year may qualify now, and a senior near the line should check the current figure before assuming they are in or out. Eligibility is based on income from a prior tax year, not the current one.

Why do so many New York homeowners miss their STAR check?

STAR used to be automatic, applied as a discount directly on the property tax bill. Homeowners who bought after 2015 can no longer receive that automatic exemption. Instead, they receive the STAR credit as a check or direct deposit, and only if they register with New York State. The state does not enroll new owners automatically based on the deed, so many buyers never sign up and lose the benefit year after year. Owners who still hold the older exemption can keep it, although the state allows switching to the credit, which can grow over time while the exemption amount is frozen.

How do you register for the STAR credit, and can you claim missed years?

Go to tax.ny.gov and search for STAR, then register one time using your Social Security number and property information. After that, the state reviews eligibility automatically each year and keeps issuing the credit, so there is no annual reapplication for Basic STAR. If you qualified in prior years but never registered, you may be able to claim the credit for up to the last 3 years, which can mean recovering money already missed. This is general information about a public New York State program, not tax or legal advice, so confirm your eligibility and the current rules directly at tax.ny.gov.

What should Staten Island and Brooklyn homeowners do about STAR right now?

Staten Island and Brooklyn have a large number of owner-occupied 1, 2 and 3 family homes, and many were bought after 2015, which is exactly the group most likely to be missing the credit. If you live in the home you own and have never received a STAR check or direct deposit, check your registration status on tax.ny.gov. Seniors who recently turned 65 should check whether they now qualify for Enhanced STAR. Rental properties and second homes are not eligible, and the amount you receive depends on your school district, so the figures above are ranges rather than a guaranteed number.

Questions about how this affects your home in Staten Island or Brooklyn? Work with Joseph Ranola, or text or call (917) 905-2541. New episodes of Daily Tesla News break down the NYC real estate stories that move the market.