If you’re a New York homeowner waiting for your STAR (School Tax Relief) check, it’s important to know when to expect it and how to track its arrival.
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance offers tools and resources to help you keep tabs on your STAR payment. Here’s everything you need to know to stay on top of your STAR property tax credit check in 2024.
Tracking Your STAR Check
The state Department of Taxation and Finance has a handy online tool that allows you to verify whether STAR checks have been mailed to your municipality. This tool covers every school district and town in New York, including those in Onondaga County.
Whether you live in Syracuse or one of the surrounding towns, you can easily check the status of your payment.
How to Track Your Check
- Visit the Department of Taxation and Finance Website: Go to the official website and find the tool dedicated to STAR payment tracking.
- Search by Municipality: Enter your school district and town to check the status of your STAR check.
- Note Mailing Dates: The tool will provide the expected mailing dates for your specific location.
- Contact for Assistance: If your check is delayed or missing, contact the Department of Taxation and Finance at 518-457-2036 for further assistance.
For example, in Syracuse, checks have already been issued. However, in other areas of Onondaga County, like DeWitt and Cicero, checks for residents in the Jamesville-DeWitt or North Syracuse school districts are expected to arrive between late August and mid-September.
Understanding the STAR Program
The STAR program was created to help reduce property tax burdens for homeowners by offering relief through either a direct credit or an upfront reduction in property taxes.
However, recent changes have shifted the program towards functioning more as a credit, meaning homeowners now receive a check from the state instead of seeing an immediate reduction in their tax bill.
Basic STAR Program
The Basic STAR program offers a property tax exemption for owner-occupied, primary residences. This program excludes the first $30,000 of a home’s full value from school property taxes. To qualify, homeowners must have an income of $500,000 or less.
Enhanced STAR Program
For seniors aged 65 and older, the Enhanced STAR program provides additional relief. This program is available to those with an income of $98,700 or less for the 2024-2025 school year and exempts the first $84,000 of a home’s full value from school property taxes.
Important Changes in STAR
One of the most significant changes in the STAR program is the transition from an immediate tax reduction to a state-issued credit. Here’s what you need to know about these changes:
- State-Issued Credit: Instead of an upfront reduction in your property tax bill, you now receive a check from the state.
- Income Limits: The Basic STAR program has an income cap of $500,000, while the Enhanced STAR program is available to seniors with incomes up to $98,700.
- Exemption Amounts: Basic STAR exempts $30,000 of a home’s value, while Enhanced STAR exempts $84,000 for eligible seniors.
Maximizing Your STAR Benefits
Understanding the STAR program and its recent changes can help you make the most of your tax relief benefits.
Whether you’re enrolled in the Basic or Enhanced STAR program, it’s important to track your check’s arrival, especially given the shift from an upfront tax deduction to receiving a check in the mail.
Keep an eye on your mailbox, especially if you live in areas where checks are scheduled to be sent out later in the season. By staying informed and utilizing the state’s online tracking tool, you can ensure that your STAR benefits arrive on time.
FAQs
How can I track my STAR check?
Visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website and use their online tracking tool.
When are STAR checks expected to be mailed in 2024?
Mailing dates vary by municipality. For example, checks in some Onondaga County towns will arrive between late August and mid-September.
What is the Basic STAR program?
The Basic STAR program exempts $30,000 of a home’s value from school property taxes for homeowners with incomes up to $500,000.
Who qualifies for Enhanced STAR?
Seniors aged 65 or older with incomes up to $98,700 can qualify for the Enhanced STAR program, which exempts $84,000 of a home’s value.
What should I do if my STAR check is delayed?
If your check is delayed or missing, contact the Department of Taxation and Finance at 518-457-2036 for assistance.
