Skip to Main Content

MCCM News

STAR Program Changes: New Homeowners Pay Now, Get Rebate Later

Jun 10, 2016

If you recently purchased a home, you need to take action now to receive your STAR school tax relief rebate. New York State has changed the program so that eligible participants will receive the STAR tax credit in the form of a rebate check, not a tax exemption.

Previously, homeowners received the credit by submitting applications to their local assessor. Eligible applicants received their tax bill with the credit already applied. Going forward, tax bills for STAR participants will no longer include the credit. Instead, the credit will be distributed via a rebate check for those who register with the New York State Department of Taxation by July 1; the amount will remain unchanged.

  • Participants who purchased their home on or after August 1, 2015 will not receive the STAR rebate on their 2016-2017 school tax bill and need to register with the State by July 1, 2016 to receive the rebate check.
  • Participants who purchased their home prior to May 1, 2014 do not need to register with the State and will continue to receive the credit in the form of a rebate check.
  • Participants who purchased their home between May 1, 2014 and August 1, 2015 only need to register with the State if they did not apply for the exemption or purchase the home until after their local 2015 STAR application deadline.

Homeowners who were receiving the STAR exemption prior to August 1, 2015 will continue to receive the exemption on their school tax bill and need not register online.

Please contact us at 585.546.2500 for more information or assistance with securing your STAR exemption.