STAR
 
2026 UPDATE: Some STAR recipients may have received a letter from NYS Department of Taxation and Finance (NYS DTF) also referred to as "Form RP5300". The letter requests income verification and confirmation of eligibility for BASIC or ENHANCED STAR. Property owners are referred to the Homeowner Benefit Portal or STAR Income Worksheet, or call: 518-457-2036 to complete the verification. 

NYS DTF/ORPTS also notes; "Impacted STAR exemption recipients across the state can attend an in-person income reporting event in the coming weeks. To find out when and where, view the schedule on our website. We will add additional events as details become available. At these events, Tax Department employees will help homeowners submit their income information and answer any other questions about the STAR program."

HOW TO RESPOND to 2026 STAR Letter:  Respond to a STAR letter  - This page is a new resource. As NYS DTF/ORPTS mails 2026 STAR letters, they'll add them to this page. If you're looking for information or a copy of a STAR letter you received prior to November 2025, see Other STAR letters. Important: To ensure you do not lose your STAR benefit, respond to your letter within the timeframe requested. Usually, you will have 45 days from the date of your letter to respond.

The STAR (School Tax Relief) program offers school tax relief to eligible homeowners, based on ownership, residency age & income. The program has changed considerably since its early beginnings and is no longer administered by the local Assessment Office. Originally an exemption program as a direct discount on the school tax bill, it was changed to a credit program in the form of a check mailed to the homeowner or a direct deposit to your bank account from NYS.  Exemptions granted on the 2015 assessment roll may remain, but all newer requests for benefits are in the credit program. Anyone may convert their existing exemption to the credit program if they wish. Use this chart to see if the credit program is more favorable than the exemption program. To arrive in time for the September school bill be sure to make the switch no later than two weeks prior to July 1.

UPDATED BROCHURE: 2026 Brochure STAR CHANGES 2025-2026

Whether you receive the STAR exemption or the credit, there are two types of STAR benefits. The benefits granted depend on the age and income of the homeowner(s). The Basic STAR benefits are for those under 65. Those over 65 and income-eligible are in the Enhanced (senior) program.

New homeowners must register with New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (NYS DTF) for their benefits at their new residence. The State’s STAR Benefit Portal is available to existing and new homeowners for various self-serve features.

All communication about this benefit is managed by NYS DTF, not the local Assessment Office. Continuing eligibility is administered by NYS DTF for both types of STAR. The most recent update to legislation (July 2025), now requires NYS DTF to alert homeowners when they have determined that they are eligible to switch from the Basic to the Enhanced STAR benefits, whether they receive the credit or the exemption benefits.

To register by phone, or for more information, contact the STAR Hotline for Taxpayers at 518-457-2036 or visit their website at www.tax.ny.gov/star.  Be prepared to provide personal information to verify your identity and to qualify.

FRAUD ALERT REMINDER:  NYS Department of Taxation and Finance WILL NOT RANDOMLY CALL YOU on the phone to ask you for or about your personal information. For renewing your eligibility, they will send you a letter, asking you to respond in some way. NEVER give out your personal information to a caller you do not know, especially if you are not expecting the call. NEVER.

To learn more, visit the STAR Quick Links below or call the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance Call Center at: (518) 457-2036.