Governor Kathy Hochul announced on June 16 that nearly 3 million New Yorkers will receive over $2 billion in property tax relief through the state’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program this summer and fall, delivering direct checks ranging from $350 to $1,500 for eligible homeowners and seniors.
Most homeowners with household income below $500,000 will receive between $350 and $600, while most seniors age 65 and older with income below $110,750 will receive between $700 and $1,500 through the Enhanced STAR program. Check deliveries have already begun and will continue statewide throughout the summer and fall, with some regions receiving payments before school tax due dates in late June and July.
The STAR program, enacted on August 7, 1997 by then-Governor George Pataki, provides property tax relief to eligible homeowners and seniors through either a tax exemption or a tax credit. For existing homeowners who received the exemption before 2015, the benefit appears as a reduction on their school tax bill. New homeowners registered since 2015 receive their benefit as a direct check or through direct deposit.
Long Island leads in relief distribution, with $659.2 million going to 572,000 recipients, followed by the Mid-Hudson region with $461.1 million to 397,000 homeowners. New York City will deliver $149.7 million to nearly 474,000 residents. The remaining relief spans ten regions across the state, from the Capital District to Western New York.
Eligible recipients can visit ny.gov/STAR to track their check delivery or enroll in direct deposit for faster payment. The state is holding regional STAR seminars starting in July, beginning with Erie County on July 7, to help homeowners understand eligibility and maximize their benefits. To guarantee timely delivery by direct deposit, homeowners should enroll at least 15 business days before their local school tax due date.
Sources
- Governor Kathy Hochul (.gov) — Official announcement on June 16, 2026, detailing nearly 3 million recipients, $2 billion in relief, payment amounts, and regional breakdown
- Democrat and Chronicle — Reporting on the STAR tax relief checks and distribution timeline
- WGRZ — Coverage of the announcement and program details
- NEWS10 ABC — Reporting on STAR program refunds to 3 million homeowners
