ALBANY, NY – New York State has officially begun sending out 2025 STAR (School Tax Relief) credit checks to qualified homeowners across the state. The program, which provides property tax relief to millions of residents, will continue mailing payments throughout the summer and into the fall.
The STAR credit program offers two tiers of relief – Basic and Enhanced – depending on household income and age. The Basic STAR credit is available to most homeowners with incomes up to $500,000, while Enhanced STAR targets seniors over 65 with incomes under $98,700. The amount of each check varies based on location, school district, and eligibility, but most payments fall between $350 and $1,500.
While some homeowners still receive STAR benefits as direct reductions on their school tax bills (a legacy exemption for those enrolled before 2015), most now receive the benefit in the form of a check or direct deposit from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Homeowners can check the status of their STAR credit by visiting the Department of Taxation and Finance website and using the STAR Credit Delivery Schedule lookup tool. The tool allows users to search by county, municipality, and school district to see when payments are expected to be issued.
Long Islanders are among the largest recipients of STAR benefits. Approximately 582,000 Nassau and Suffolk County homeowners will collectively receive nearly $700 million in tax relief this year, according to state records.
For those who opted into direct deposit, payments may arrive earlier than those sent by mail. However, to qualify for direct deposit in 2025, homeowners must have registered at least 15 days before the payment date. If they miss that window, they’ll receive a physical check this year but can enroll for next year’s direct payment cycle.
The STAR program is part of a broader $2.2 billion statewide effort to ease the property tax burden for New York homeowners.
Q&A: What Long Island Residents Need to Know About the 2025 STAR Checks
Q: When will my STAR check arrive?
A: Delivery dates vary by school district and municipality. Use the STAR Credit Delivery Schedule on the state tax department website to track your payment.
Q: How much will I receive?
A: Most checks range from $350 to $1,500, depending on your eligibility and school district.
Q: Do I get a check or a tax reduction?
A: If you registered for the STAR credit, you’ll receive a check or direct deposit. Homeowners with the legacy STAR exemption (enrolled before 2015) get the benefit as a reduction on their school tax bill.
Q: Can I still sign up for direct deposit?
A: Not for this year if the deadline has passed, but you can enroll now to receive next year’s STAR payment by direct deposit.
Q: How can I verify my eligibility?
A: Visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website or call their STAR hotline to check your registration status and eligibility.
Q: Who qualifies for Enhanced STAR?
A: Seniors over 65 with combined household incomes below $98,700 in 2023 (adjusted for inflation) are eligible for Enhanced STAR in 2025.
Q: How many people on Long Island are receiving STAR benefits?
A: About 582,000 homeowners in Nassau and Suffolk Counties will receive STAR credits this year.
Q: What if I don’t receive my check?
A: Confirm your eligibility, ensure your address or bank info is correct, and consult the STAR delivery schedule. Contact the state tax department if needed.
Q: Do I need to reapply each year?
A: No, as long as your eligibility hasn’t changed, the benefit continues automatically.
Q: Where can I get more help?
A: Visit https://www.tax.ny.gov/star/ or call the STAR help line at (518) 457-2036.
