Good news for New York homeowners! A special $1500 payment is confirm for eligible families this summer under the School Tax Relief (STAR) program. As property taxes and school expenses continue to rise, this one-time benefit offers timely financial support to help ease the burden. Whether you are a long-time resident or a first-time STAR applicant, here’s everything you need to know about the payment schedule, who qualifies, and how to claim your money; all in one simple guide.
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$1500 Payments For Families This Summer Confirmed
With inflation still pinching family budgets and school expenses on the rise, there is welcome news for homeowners and families in New York. The School Tax Relief (STAR) Program is offering up to $1,500 in direct relief payments this summer, just in time to ease the burden before the back-to-school rush.
This one-time payment is part of the ongoing New York STAR property tax rebate, aimed at homeowners with school-age children or fixed incomes. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a new homeowner, here’s everything you need to know about the STAR Program’s 2025 summer payout, including who qualifies, how much you could receive, and when to expect it.
STAR Program 2025 Highlights
| Program | Details |
| Name | School Tax Relief (STAR) Summer Payment |
| Year | 2025 |
| Organized By | New York State Department of Taxation and Finance |
| Max Payment Amount | Upto $1,500 |
| Payment Dates | 15 July – 31, August 2025 |
| Income Limit | For Basic STAR income is below $250,000 or enhanced STAR its under $98,700. |
| Age Requirement | There’s no age rule for basic, but for Enhanced STAR 65 or older is require. |
| Application Deadline | 10, July 2025 (if registering new) |
| Payment Method | Direct Deposit or Mailed Check |
What is STAR Program?
The School Tax Relief (STAR) Program is a property tax benefit offered by New York State to help homeowners save money, especially on school-related taxes, which are often the biggest part of a property tax bill. The two STAR benefits are –
- Basic STAR – For homeowners under 65 with income below a certain limit.
- Enhanced STAR – For seniors aged 65 and older who meet specific income guidelines.
In 2025, the program is giving extra payments of up to $1,500 to eligible households during the summer, offering timely financial support to ease rising expenses.
Why Are Families Receiving $1,500 This Summer?
The $1,500 payment is an added benefit under the extended STAR program for 2025. Due to rising inflation, school tax levies, and higher homeownership costs, the state is issuing a summer rebate to qualifying households who meet STAR criteria.
This payment is not a new program but a supplemental payment under the existing STAR benefit structure. Many families will receive the rebate automatically if they’ve already registered for STAR with the New York State Tax Department.
Payment Schedule
The summer STAR payments will roll out between 15 July and 31 August 2025. The exact date depends on your county and when your local school district submits its tax levy data. Estimated STAR Summer 2025 Payment Timeline –
| Region/County Expected | Payment Window |
| NYC suburbs (Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester) | 15 July – 30 July 2025 |
| Capital Region (Albany, Schenectady) | 20 July – 10 August 2025 |
| Western NY (Buffalo, Erie, Rochester) | 25 July – 15, August 2025 |
| Central NY (Syracuse, Onondaga) | 25 July – 20 August 2025 |
| Upstate/Rural Counties | 1 August – 31 August 2025 |
Tips – If you are signed up for direct deposit, you’ll receive your STAR rebate faster than by mailed check.
Who is Eligible For $1,500 STAR Payment?
To receive the STAR rebate in summer 2025, homeowners must meet specific income, age, and property ownership requirements.
Basic Eligibility Criteria –
- You must own and live in your main home located in New York State.
- The property must be a house, condo, co-op apartment, or mobile home.
- Your household income for the year 2023 should –
- Below $250,000 for Basic STAR.
- Below $98,700 for Enhanced STAR (for seniors aged 65+).
- Your property must approve for school tax relief based on your school district’s records.
- You must enroll in the STAR Program with the New York State Tax Department.
- You should not getting any other tax benefits that clash with the STAR program rules.
Special Note For Seniors –
Homeowners aged 65 and older may qualify for Enhanced STAR, which provides higher savings and may trigger automatic eligibility for the $1,500 rebate.
How to Apply or Update Your STAR Information?
If you have not register for the STAR program, you will need to sign up to consider for this summer’s payment. One can follow the steps to apply for STAR –
- Visit the New York State Tax Department STAR Registration Page.
- Click “Register for STAR”.
- Provide:
- Property information (tax map number or school district)
- Names of owners
- Social Security Numbers
- Income from your 2023 tax return
- Submit your registration before 10, July 2025 to consider for this summer’s payment.
Already registered? There’s no need to reapply, just make sure your mailing address and banking info are up to date.
How Will the $1,500 Help?
This payment comes at a critical time, right before families start preparing for back-to-school expenses like clothing, supplies, and activity fees. Key Benefits of the STAR Summer Rebate –
- Offsets high school property tax bills
- Helps with grocery costs and utility bills
- Offers financial relief during inflationary times
- Provides seniors on fixed incomes with stable support
- Whether you use it for bills, supplies, or home repairs, this rebate is a timely boost for many households.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Do I Need to Apply Again if I already Receive STAR Benefits?
No, if you’re already enrolled, you will automatically be considered for the $1,500 payment.
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Is this $1,500 taxable?
No, the STAR rebate is not taxable income and does not affect your tax refund.
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Will renters receive this payment?
No, STAR benefits are only for property owners. Renters are not eligible.
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What if I sold my home recently?
You must have owned and lived in the property as your primary residence on March 1, 2025, to qualify.
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Can I track my payment?
Yes, payment tracking options will be available on the Tax Department’s website or through your local assessor’s office.
Final Thoughts
The $1,500 STAR summer payment is a major relief for thousands of New York families facing rising property taxes and back to school costs. If you are a homeowner in New York, this mid-year rebate could help balance your budget just when you need it most. Make sure you are register, your details are correct, and you stay inform about your county’s disbursement timeline. For many, this isn’t just a rebate, it’s a welcome cushion in financially tight times.