Money & taxes · Homeowners

STAR is the New York school-tax break people can miss.

If you own and live in your New York home, check STAR. Basic STAR is the regular school-tax break. Enhanced STAR is the senior version. The state, not your neighbor's tax bill, is the place to confirm your exact status.

More money and property paths

Money notes Quick reference NYC property tax Equalization rates Transfer and mansion tax Co-op vs. condo Local income tax Rent stabilization Short-term rentals

Checker

STAR school-tax check

STAR generally helps with the school-tax part of an owner-occupied primary home. A few cities have special city-and-school treatment, so this gives you a planning read before you check the state page.

Owner/spouse income$Oldest owner ageSchool rate/ $1,000Benefit year

This is my primary home. STAR is for owner-occupied primary residences, not vacation homes or rentals.

Basic STAR credit gate

Credit may be possible

This check uses the newer STAR credit income cap. Use combined resident-owner and spouse income. Older exemption applicants also face a lower exemption income cap of $250,000.

Rough school-tax value: $660

Enhanced STAR

Looks possible

Enhanced STAR generally needs one resident owner age 65 by December 31 of the benefit year, plus income under the state limit. The selected income limit is $110,750.

Rough school-tax value: $1,947

This estimate uses the full-value STAR base times the school rate you enter. Your actual credit can differ by district, assessment level, income verification, whether you are in the credit or exemption program, and whether your city has special STAR treatment. The rough Enhanced value uses the 2026-2027 full-value base until the next base amount is posted.

Start with your primary home.

STAR is generally for owner-occupied primary residences. A camp, second home, or rental should be checked against the state rules.

Know whether you are in the credit or exemption program.

Newer applicants usually register for the STAR credit. Some older homeowners still have the exemption on the tax bill.

Enhanced STAR has two gates.

At least one resident owner generally needs to be 65 or older, and the combined resident-owner and spouse income has to stay under the state limit.

School taxes are usually the target.

STAR generally applies to school district taxes. New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse have a special city-and-school treatment.

Next checks

If you are buying a home, ask whether the seller's old STAR benefit will stay, change, or disappear after the sale. A long-time owner may have an exemption on the tax bill, while you may need to register for a credit after you buy. That detail can make two nearly identical bills look different.

If you already own the home, register or check your status with the Tax Department. Enhanced STAR also needs income verification, so it is worth checking before the school-tax bill shows up.

Official sources

Reviewed July 2026. STAR rules, income limits, and local treatment can change; confirm your current status with the state before relying on a number.

Page feedback

Send a page note

Send a note about this page. The page address will be included automatically.

Send a note