(The Center Square) – Millions of New Yorkers will be getting a piece of $2 billion in tax relief this year under a state rebate program, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday.
Hochul said the rebates through New York's School Tax Relief program for eligible homeowners and seniors will begin going out this summer and fall. Some STAR recipients will receive their benefit in the form of a tax exemption this year, Hochul said, while other recipients will get a tax credit and a check in the mail.
Most homeowners eligible for a STAR credit will receive a check between $350 and $600, according to the Hochul administration. Most seniors eligible for an Enhanced STAR credit will receive a check between $700 and $1,500, officials said.
Hochul, a Democrat seeking another term in the November election, touted the rebates – which are required by state law – as a key plank of her "affordability" agenda to lower costs.
“The start of summer is also the start of STAR tax relief season for millions of New Yorkers," she said in a statement. "From tax credits and energy rebates to our expanded child tax credit and middle class tax cuts, we’re continuing to put more money back in New Yorkers’ pockets."
Lawmakers who boosted funding for the STAR program this year also lauded that rebates were being processed, saying it will help provide relief for New Yorkers struggling with the lingering pinch of inflation, high gas prices and other costs.
"At a time when actions in Washington are increasing costs and reducing support for working families, seniors, and homeowners, New York is continuing to put affordability first," Democratic Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said in a statement.
Under this year's tax relief, Long Island is slated to get the largest chunk, or about $660 million in rebates for 572,000 property owners, according to the Hochul administration.
The affluent middle Hudson Valley region is in store for about $461 million in STAR rebates, impacting about 397,000 property owners, officials said.
In Western New York, about 314,000 homeowners are eligible for STAR benefits, totalling more than $168 million.
Homeowners who are eligible and registered for the STAR credit program will get their STAR check before the deadline for their school taxes, according to Amanda Hiller, interim commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Some parts of the state – including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse – have school tax due dates in late June and July and will receive their STAR benefits soon, she said. Benefits across other parts of the state will continue to roll out throughout the summer and fall.
"We want every eligible homeowner to take advantage of the STAR program, Hiller said. "If you’re a new homeowner, or you are currently not receiving a STAR benefit on your primary residence, check out the Tax Department’s website to see how you can register and start saving."
