New York State has begun distributing over $2 billion in school property tax relief through the School Tax Relief (STAR) program, a move that directly benefits millions of homeowners—including many in Latino communities across the five boroughs, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the rollout, which will send payments to nearly 2.8 million qualified property owners through the summer and fall.
The STAR program offers two tiers of relief. Standard credit recipients will see between $350 and $600 applied to their primary residence. Seniors who qualify for the Enhanced STAR program can receive up to $1,500, depending on their income and property value. The state estimates the total distribution will reach $2.1 billion.
How and When You'll Get Paid
Payments are being issued through two channels: a direct exemption on school tax bills or a cash payment via mailed check or electronic direct deposit. The delivery schedule depends on your local school district's tax deadline. Urban centers like New York City, Buffalo, and Rochester are expected to process payments faster due to higher volume.
To avoid delays, the state recommends enrolling in direct deposit through the Homeowner Benefit Portal on the Department of Taxation's website. Officials advise completing the digital enrollment at least 15 business days before your local school tax due date. You can check your eligibility and track your payment at ny.gov/STAR.
Regional Breakdown: Where the Money Goes
The STAR funds are distributed unevenly across the state, reflecting property values and population density. Long Island receives the largest share—$659.2 million for 572,000 properties. The Mid-Hudson Valley follows with $461.1 million, then the Finger Lakes at $193.7 million, Western New York at $168.5 million, and New York City at $149.7 million. The Capital District gets $136.4 million, Central New York $123.7 million, the Southern Tier $103.4 million, the Mohawk Valley $62.5 million, and the North Country $44.5 million.
For Latino homeowners in neighborhoods like Washington Heights, Bushwick, or the South Bronx, this relief can make a real difference in monthly budgets. As the cost of living continues to climb, programs like STAR offer a tangible cushion. The state will also host regional seminars starting July 7 in Erie County to help residents navigate the application process.
This initiative is part of a broader state effort to address affordability. For context, New York's $268.5 billion budget includes significant investments in housing and education, areas that directly impact Latino families. Read more about how that budget affects Latino communities.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie have both endorsed the program, calling it essential support for middle-class families and seniors. The STAR program has been a fixture of New York tax policy for years, but this year's distribution is among the largest.
If you're a homeowner in New York, now is the time to check your eligibility and ensure your contact information is up to date with the state. Missing the deadline could mean waiting another year for relief.
