
New York residents will get the benefits of the STAR Program, designed to provide tax relief to homeowners
The STAR Program will be distributing payments per the back-to-school timeline, providing much-needed relief to all qualifying homeowners. According to Marca, the STAR Program is divided into two divisions, namely the Basic STAR and the Enhanced STAR. Under the STAR program initiative, stimulus checks of up to $1,500 to help mitigate inflation and economic uncertainty, particularly the high costs of school taxes.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has advanced this initiative at a time when many federal funds are being cut, ensuring thousands of residents receive real financial relief.
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STAR program for New York residents
New York residents will get the benefits of the STAR Program, designed to provide tax relief to homeowners. Rather than reducing taxes directly, the program compensates a portion of the school taxes that homeowners are required to pay to fund public education. The state returns a portion of this money either as a check or credit.Since its launch in 1997, New York’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program has remained one of the state’s most widely used initiatives, particularly benefiting middle-income households facing steep school tax bills.
Officials have confirmed that the latest wave of stimulus-style payments, tied to Phase 2 of the STAR program, is now being distributed with payments being targeted at homeowners whose school taxes are due between August and September. But, not everyone is eligible for STAR payment as distribution schedules vary based on each county’s tax calendar, meaning some homeowners will receive the relief sooner than others.
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What is the eligibility for stimulus payments?
You must be registered in the STAR system to qualify for the payment. If you were registered in previous phases, you will likely be included automatically. However, it’s advisable to visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website to verify your registration status.The amount you may receive varies depending on your category. Below is a breakdown:
Standard homeowners | $350 to $600 | Based on home value and municipality |
Seniors | $700 to $1500 | Higher amounts for senior citizens |
However, it is important to note that the final payment depends on factors such as income, property type, and residency duration. The primary focus is on supporting those who need it most.
Follow these steps if you haven't received the payment:
If you believe you are eligible but have not received your check or direct deposit, don’t worry. The first step is to verify your enrollment in the STAR program:
Check Online: Visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website and enter your property details.
Contact the Department: If needed, reach out to the Department of Finance to resolve any issues.
Make sure to verify your eligibility and ensure there are no discrepancies before assuming you won’t receive the payment.
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According to Hochul, the measure underscores her administration’s commitment to putting money back into residents’ pockets. “We are making good on our promise to deliver meaningful relief to families,” she said while highlighting the program’s role in offering direct assistance.
The state’s plan contrasts with trends seen elsewhere in the country, where some governments have scaled back support or postponed payments. By moving forward with this initiative, New York is taking a proactive stance to ensure families receive immediate and tangible benefits.
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Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.