Money & Taxes · Statewide
New Homeowners Should Register for STAR Once the Home Is Primary
After buying a primary residence, register for STAR promptly instead of waiting for the benefit to appear on its own.
Published June 24, 2026 · Last verified July 12, 2026
STAR does not pass from the seller to the buyer at closing. A new owner must register with the New York Tax Department. Do that once the home is your main home, which the state calls your primary residence.
New owners register for the STAR credit. The state then checks whether the owner can get Basic or Enhanced STAR. The older STAR exemption is different. It cuts the school tax bill, but it is no longer open to new owners.
The credit does not appear as a cut on the bill. The Tax Department sends it by check or direct deposit. If you are eligible, the state aims to send it before the school tax bill is due.
Before you start, gather the names and Social Security numbers of the owners and their spouses. You will also need the school district, purchase date, income records, and a recent school tax bill if you have one. The seller’s name can help the state issue the credit on time.
Save the confirmation number after you register. You can view the status in the Homeowner Benefit Portal. In most cases, you register once and the state checks your eligibility each year. An ownership change may require an update, so keep the STAR record with your deed and tax papers.