Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR

🏡 What is STAR?

The STAR Program provides property tax relief to eligible New York homeowners. If eligible, you’ll receive the benefit in one of two ways:

1. STAR Exemption (Only for long-time homeowners)

  • Reduces your school tax bill directly.

  • Available only if you’ve had it since 2015 or earlier.

  • Applies to your primary residence only.

  • Not available to new homeowners.

2. STAR Credit (For new or current homeowners)

  • You receive a check or direct deposit from the NYS Tax Department.

  • You can then use it to pay your school taxes.

  • Must own and live in the home as your primary residence.

  • Income eligibility: Combined income of all owners + spouses must be $500,000 or less.


📘 Types of STAR Benefits

Basic STAR (Exemption or Credit)

  • For all primary-residence homeowners.

  • No age but income limit $500,000

  • Exempts $30,000 from the assessed value of the home (subject to adjustments).

  • Applies only to school district taxes.

Enhanced STAR (For seniors)

  • For seniors (65+ by December 31 of the benefit year).

  • Offers greater savings than Basic STAR.

     

    Starting in 2026:

    • Only one homeowner needs to be 65+.

    • You no longer apply through your local assessor.

    • NYS Tax Department determines eligibility and contacts you if you qualify.


📝 Registering for the STAR Credit (New or Current Homeowners)

What you need:

  • Names & Social Security Numbers of all owners & their spouses.

  • School district name.

  • Date of purchase & names of sellers (optional).

  • Most recent school tax bill (if available).

  • Address of any other residential properties you own.

  • Legal name of trust (if applicable).

  • Banking info (for direct deposit).

  • 2024 tax return (for 2026 benefit year).


    • If no return filed: Provide info on wages, pensions, Social Security, etc.

💻 How to Register:

  1. Create or log in to your Individual Online Services account:
    https://www.tax.ny.gov/online/

  2. Click Register and follow the prompts.

📞 No internet?
Call: 518-457-2036 (Weekdays, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM)


🔔 Important Notes:

  • You cannot receive both Basic and Enhanced STAR in the same year.

  • STAR applies after other property tax exemptions.

  • Taxable value cannot be reduced below zero.

  • Update your info regularly via the Homeowner Benefit Portal.

     

FINAL CERTIFIED STAR AMOUNTS

         

Final

 

2023

2024

2025

Town

Basic

Enhanced

Basic

Enhanced

Basic

Enhanced

             
Altona  $ 33,120  $   82,680 $ 32,770  $   91,750  $ 32,540 $   93,380 
Ausable  $ 37,970  $  101,930 $ 33,790  $   90,720  $ 30,000  $   86,100 
Beekmantown  $ 34,940  $   92,240 $ 31,100  $   84,000  $ 34,580  $   99,240 
Black Brook  $ 33,030  $   87,740 $ 30,000  $   84,000  $ 30,000  $   86,100 
Champlain  $ 32,750  $   88,380 $ 32,350  $   90,590  $ 30,000  $   86,100 
Chazy  $ 36.240  $   92,480 $ 32,250  $   84,000  $ 30,000  $   86,100 
Clinton  $ 34,580  $   87,880 $ 41,360  $ 112,900  $ 36,810  $ 100,480 
Dannemora  $ 34,530  $   90,600 $ 30,730  $   84,000  $ 32,360 $   92,880 
Ellenburg  $ 34,310  $   87,240 $ 35,860  $   98,630  $ 31,920  $   87,780 
Mooers  $ 35,060  $   87,520 $ 32,890  $   88,550  $ 32,040  $   91,950 
Peru  $ 34,220  $   89,630 $ 32,680  $   90,130  $ 30,000  $   86,100 
Plattsburgh  $ 30,000  $   81,400 $ 33,770  $   91,630  $ 30,060  $   86,100 
Saranac  $ 35,180  $   95,370 $ 31,310  $   84,880  $ 30,000  $   86,100 
Schuyler Falls  $ 25,500  $   69,190 $ 22,700  $   63,000  $ 21,600 $   61,990 
City  $ 33,150  $   89,960 $ 31,550  $   88,350  $ 32,210 $   92,440