New York State homeowners who have met specific criteria will be eligible to receive their School Tax Relief (STAR) checks in the upcoming weeks. The STAR program is specially designed to help lighten and reduce the burden of school taxes for eligible homeowners. In 2023, the average state check amounted to about $778 for the basic STAR and $1,407 for the enhanced STAR.
How to Qualify for the STAR Program
To be eligible for a STAR check, homeowners should ensure to sign up for the program. Your enrollment is quite crucial; if you do not enroll, you will not be eligible to receive the benefit. Homeowners can also register online or by phone; these simple steps make the process accessible and straightforward.
Understanding the Difference Between Basic and Enhanced STAR
There are two types of STAR benefits: Basic and Enhanced. The Basic STAR exemption is available to all eligible homeowners with incomes below $250,000, regardless of age. This benefit provides financial relief directly on your school tax bill.
The Enhanced STAR exemption offers a more substantial benefit, but it’s specifically targeted at seniors who meet additional income and eligibility criteria. To qualify for the Enhanced STAR, you must be 65 or older by December 31, 2024, and the property must be your primary residence.
Eligibility Criteria for the Enhanced STAR
If you want to receive the enhanced STAR check, here are the key requirements you must meet below:
1. Primary Residence: You should own and live in the home as your primary residence.
2. Age Requirement: One thing you should note is that you or one of the owners must be at least 65 years or older by December 31, 2024. Furthermore, if the property is jointly owned by married spouses or siblings, then only one needs to meet the required age requirement.
3. Income Limit: Your combined income, which includes that of any spouse residing in the property, should be $93,200 or less.
For you to determine your income eligibility, you should have a look at your 2022 federal or state income tax return. Particularly, take a good look at your Federal Form 1040; you’ll find the adjusted gross income on line 11, and then subtract the taxable portion of IRA distributions (line 4B).
When Will You Receive Your STAR Check?
The State has already started sending out both Basic and enhanced STAR checks. The exact timing of when you’ll receive your check may vary, but most homeowners can expect to receive theirs within the next few weeks.
Mail or Direct Payment? How Will You Receive Your STAR Check?
Depending on whether your STAR check arrives by mail or direct deposit depends highly on how you signed up for the program. It is best to note that you provide direct deposit information when registering, and then you should receive the payment directly into your account. Otherwise, then you should expect a paper check by mail.
Need More Information?
If you are not sure if you are ready to enroll or if your STAR benefits will be applied automatically to your tax bill, it is best to contact your local office. You will be provided specific details that will be based on your property, and make sure that you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. The STAR program is specially designed to help lighten and reduce the burden of school taxes for eligible homeowners. Read about when it will arrive and know when it will come by mail or direct payment.
