The New York Homeowner Rebate Program deadline is just a few days away.
There are just a few days left for New Yorkers to apply for rebates that could net them more than $1,400. The deadline for New York’s homeowner rebate program, called School Tax Relief (STAR), is December 31. This program provides a property tax credit to eligible homeowners in the state.
School Tax Relief (STAR): You have two options.
New York’s School Tax Relief Exemption Program waives some school property taxes or provides refund checks to eligible homeowners. The deadline for the New York Homeowners Rebate Program is December 31.
Homeowners have two options under the STAR program: Basic (no age restrictions) and Enhanced STAR (seniors only). Homeowners cannot benefit from both programs, but can switch from Basic to Enhanced STAR if they qualify.
Homeowners may switch from the Basic program to the Advanced STAR program at any time throughout the year, but applying before the New York Homeowner Rebate Program deadline may provide an exemption from school taxes for the year in which the applicant is enrolled.
The basic STAR exemption program is available in New York City, and the exemption received will appear on the homeowner’s property tax bill. Homeowners of any age who make less than $250,000 per year are eligible for the basic STAR exemption, which provides an average exemption of $778.
The Enhanced STAR waiver, on the other hand, is offered by New York State and is open to applicants age 65 and older through December 31 of the year in which the waiver applies. If the property is jointly owned, only one spouse or family member must be over 65 years of age.
Applicants must own their home and it must be their primary residence. Additionally, applicants for the Enhanced STAR exemption (all owners and resident spouses or registered domestic partners) must have income of $98,700 or less. The average check amount under the Enhanced STAR exemption is $1,407.
How do I apply before the New York Homeowner Rebate Program deadline?
If you own a property and received a STAR in 2015-16 but later lost it and would like to have it restored, you must apply before the New York Homeowner Rebate Program deadline. If you currently receive Basic STAR but want to switch to Enhanced STAR now, you still need to apply before the deadline.
Anyone who meets the requirements can apply for the Basic STAR or Enhanced STAR tax exemption by submitting an application online. You can also apply offline by downloading the application from our Property Tax Benefits for Homeowners page.
Those who qualify for the STAR program will receive benefits in the form of a tax credit or exemption, which will be automatically applied to their property tax bill. For more information about the STAR program, visit www.tax.ny.gov/star or call (518) 457-2036.
