New York Enhanced STAR Credit: Deadline is March 1.

If you qualify for the Enhanced STAR property tax credit in New York but haven’t applied yet, you’ll need to hurry because the deadline is just a few days away. The deadline to apply for New York Enhanced STAR credit is March 1. Specifically, the deadline is the date for seniors to upgrade to the Enhanced STAR property tax exemption.

New York Enhanced STAR Credit: How to Apply

In most areas, the deadline to apply for property tax savings through the New York Enhanced STAR Credit Program is March 1, according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

It is important for applicants to confirm exact deadlines with their local evaluator. Homeowners enrolled in the STAR program receive a credit or exemption on their school property tax bills.

Seniors who received a basic STAR waiver (or credit), turned 65 this year, and meet all requirements should apply to their evaluator for an enhanced STAR waiver. To apply for the program, seniors must provide the evaluator with the following form:

Applicants must also submit New York State or federal income tax forms as proof of income for 2022. If the applicant is not required to file taxes, he or she should consult with an assessor regarding proof of income.

It is important to note that seniors who receive STAR credits (non-exempt) by check or direct deposit do not need to apply for the New York Enhanced STAR credits. If you meet the requirements, your department will automatically upgrade you to the Enhanced program.

Who qualifies for credit?

Below are the requirements for upgrading from the Basic STAR property tax exemption to the 2024 Enhanced STAR property tax exemption.

• The property must be the primary residence of at least one eligible owner.
• All property owners must be at least 65 years of age as of December of the year in which the exemption is sought. An exception applies if the property is owned only by a married couple or siblings. In this case, only one co-owner needs to meet the age qualifications.
• The combined income of all owners and the owner’s spouse residing in the property must be $98,700 or less in 2022.

The difference between Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR is that the former has an income limit of $250,000 and is based on the first $30,000 of your home’s total value (for the 2024-2025 school year).

Enhanced STAR, on the other hand, provides more savings for seniors earning $98,700 or less and is based on the first $84,000 of the home’s total value. Last year, more than 560,000 seniors saved more than $815 million through New York Enhanced STAR credits.

To learn more about the Star Credit program, visit the New York Department of Taxation and Finance website.