ALBANY COUNTY — Phase two, affecting Albany County, of the School Tax Relief program known as STAR has started.

Eligible homeowners in communities with school tax due dates in August or September will start receiving their STAR benefit in the coming weeks, according to a release from the governor’s office.

Phase one saw STAR credits and checks delivered to parts of the state with school tax due dates in June and July — including New York City, Yonkers, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. STAR deliveries to these regions were completed last week.

The Capital Region has 242,000 recipients, receiving a total of $144.5 million in relief.

Homeowners who earn $250,000 or less are eligible for the STAR exemption while homeowners who earn $500,000 or less are eligible for the STAR credit.

The income limit applies to the combined incomes of only the owners and owners’ spouses who live in the home.

Homeowners 65 or older with income of $107,300 or less in 2025 or of $110,750 or less in 2026 are eligible for the enhanced STAR program.

Most homeowners eligible for a STAR credit will receive a check between $350 and $600. Most seniors eligible for an Enhanced STAR credit will receive a check between $700 and $1,500.

STAR recipients may visit ny.gov/STAR to track their check delivery or enroll in direct deposit.

Homeowners who are eligible and enrolled in the STAR program receive their benefit each year in one of two ways: as an exemption that reduces their school tax bill, or as a credit issued as a check or direct deposit.

Those who receive the STAR credit as a check or direct deposit can visit the STAR Credit Delivery Schedule to learn when credits will be issued in their area. Property owners who are looking for details about STAR credits that have already been issued should visit the Property Tax Credit Lookup.

Homeowners can enroll in the STAR Credit Direct Deposit program through the Homeowner Benefit Portal within the Tax Department’s secure Online Services system. Homeowners can also use the Homeowner Benefit Portal to manage their STAR benefits easily and efficiently. 

The direct deposit option enables eligible STAR credit recipients to get their STAR credits without having to wait for and cash a check. To ensure they receive their STAR credit by direct deposit this year, homeowners should enroll as soon as possible. Homeowners who enroll fewer than 15 days before their STAR credit is issued will receive a check this year and direct deposit will begin next year. To find out when STAR credits will be issued in your area, use the STAR Credit Delivery Schedule lookup.