With New York State making major changes to the School Tax Relief (STAR) program in recent years and Governor Cuomo proposing even more changes in this year’s budget, homeowners are urged to double-check that their enrollment is up to date.
If you currently receive the Basic STAR exemption and your income is between $250,000 and $500,000, the program is changing for you. If eligible, you will now receive a check for the STAR credit instead of the reduction on your school tax bill. If you receive a letter asking you to update your STAR registration (Form RP-425-RDM), see switching to the STAR credit from the STAR exemption section on the state tax website.
If your income is $250,000 or less and you currently receive the STAR exemption, you can choose to register for the STAR credit to receive a check instead; you may receive a greater benefit. See Switching to the STAR credit from the STAR exemption to make the switch.
Governor Cuomo has proposed eliminating STAR benefits for homeowners who are delinquent in paying their property taxes as part of his Executive Budget proposal. Furthermore, the governor has proposed to lower the income limit for homeowners in the Basic STAR program from $250,000 to $200,000 in order to push more individuals into the Personal Income Tax Credit Program where they would receive a paper check rather than an automatic tax deduction.
Visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for information on STAR benefits, https://www.tax.ny.gov/star/.
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