You may be eligible for a School Tax Relief (STAR) credit.

If you received this letter (Form RP-425-MBB), our records indicate you may be eligible for a STAR credit but that you have not registered for the STAR program.

The STAR program provides eligible homeowners with relief on their school property taxes. 

To be eligible for a STAR credit, you must meet all of the following qualifications:

• you own your home and it is your primary residence;
• you are not receiving a STAR exemption or STAR credit on another property, and you are not receiving a homestead exemption in another state; and
• your income plus the incomes of the other owners and spouses who live on the property is $500,000 or less. (Note: Senior citizens with incomes of $93,200 or less may qualify for an increased STAR credit.)

Note: If a married couple owns two homes, they can receive STAR benefits on only one home, unless they are legally separated.

What to do next

If you believe that you are eligible for a STAR credit, follow the instructions in your letter to register for the Basic and Enhanced STAR credits.

After you register for the STAR credit

As long as you remain eligible, we will mail you a check for the STAR credit this year, and in future years, before your school tax bill is due. You do not need to register again.

There are two types of STAR credits:

• The Basic STAR credit is available to all eligible homeowners with incomes of $500,000 or less, regardless of the owners’ ages.
• The Enhanced STAR credit provides a larger benefit to senior citizens with incomes of $93,200 or less.

You will automatically receive the Basic STAR credit or Enhanced STAR credit based on your eligibility.