The Ultimate Long Island Homeowner’s Guide to the STAR Program

Introduction

For many Long Island homeowners, property taxes - especially the portion that funds public schools - are one of the largest annual expenses. Fortunately, New York State’s STAR program (School Tax Assessment Relief) offers meaningful relief for eligible residents. But between changing rules, income thresholds, and updates to how the benefit is delivered, it can be confusing to know exactly what you qualify for and how to get the most out of it.

This comprehensive guide breaks it all down - from eligibility to steps in the Nassau STAR application process - and explains how STAR works alongside broader property tax strategies. Whether you’re a long-time homeowner or new to Long Island real estate, you’ll learn how to make STAR work for you.

What Is the STAR Program?

STAR stands for School Tax Assessment Relief - a New York State program designed to lessen the burden of school property taxes for qualifying homeowners. It supports your household budget by reducing the amount of school tax you owe or providing a credit that you can use toward your bill.

There are two ways STAR benefits are delivered:

• STAR Exemption: A reduction directly on your school tax bill (available only to homeowners who’ve been enrolled since before 2015).
• STAR Credit: A check or direct deposit issued by the state that you can use to pay school taxes.

Why STAR Matters on Long Island

Homeowners in Nassau County and Suffolk County often pay among the highest property taxes in the U.S., with school taxes making up a significant portion of the bill. STAR helps lower that burden and can mean hundreds to thousands of dollars in annual savings.

Types of STAR Benefits

New York offers two primary STAR benefits:

Basic STAR

• For owner-occupied primary residences
• Combined household income limit (for STAR credit) is $500,000 or less
• Applies to most homeowners regardless of age

Enhanced STAR

• For homeowners age 65 and older
• Requires tenants to meet lower income thresholds (e.g., $110,750 or less for 2026 benefits)

Important: The STAR exemption (direct reduction on your tax bill) is no longer available to new homeowners. Most new qualifiers will receive a STAR credit instead.

STAR Exemption vs. STAR Credit

Understanding the difference helps maximize your benefit:

If you previously had the exemption but moved or purchased a new home, the exemption doesn’t automatically transfer—you must register for the STAR credit.

Eligibility Requirements for STAR

To qualify for the STAR program Long Island:

• The home must be your primary residence
• You must own the property
• Household income must meet the threshold
• You must register with the New York State Tax Department to receive benefits

Income limits differ by type but generally are higher for the STAR credit than for the older STAR exemption.

How to Complete the Nassau STAR Application

Applying for STAR benefits is done through the New York State website, not the local assessor’s office. Here’s how:

1. Visit the NYS Tax Department’s STAR portal
2. Create or access your STAR account
3. Provide proof of residency and ownership
4. Submit income information and select direct deposit
5. Confirm your registration and track your benefit

New homeowners must register for the STAR credit even if the prior owner received the exemption.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

Several pitfalls can delay or reduce STAR benefits:

• Not registering after purchasing a home
• Failing to update income information
• Assuming STAR applies to non-school taxes
• Missing deadlines or documentation requirements

How STAR Works With School Tax Calculations

STAR affects only the school tax portion of your property taxes. It doesn’t adjust your total assessment or town/county charges. If your property is over-assessed, STAR alone might not be enough to reduce your bill significantly—appeals or professional assessment review may be needed.

Maximizing STAR Benefits

For many Long Island homeowners, the best strategy is:

1. Ensure you are properly enrolled and registered
2. Maintain accurate income reporting
3. Understand whether you’re better off with the credit vs. exemption
4. Combine STAR with property tax assessment strategies for more savings

Professional firms like P.T.R.C. Inc. help you evaluate tax bills holistically and identify opportunities beyond STAR alone. Visit https://ptrc.com/ for support tailored to Long Island homeowners.

STAR Program FAQs

Does STAR apply to rental or investment properties?

No — STAR only applies to your primary residence.

Can STAR change from year to year?

Yes — particularly the STAR credit amount, which can increase or decrease based on school tax rates.

Do I need to reapply each year?

Not annually unless your situation changes, but you must update income eligibility when required.

What should I do if I move?

Register your new home for STAR. You cannot transfer the exemption automatically.

Will STAR reduce my entire property tax bill?

No — STAR affects only the school tax portion, not town or county taxes.

Can I appeal my assessed value separately from STAR?

Yes — STAR does not replace formal assessment challenges, which can further reduce your tax burden.

Conclusion: STAR as Part of a Smarter Tax Plan

The STAR program Long Island is a valuable tool for reducing your overall tax burden—but only when you understand how it works and apply correctly. By distinguishing between the STAR exemption vs. STAR credit, meeting eligibility requirements, and combining STAR with assessment review when needed, you’ll be positioned to maximize your savings year after year.

Need help making sense of the process? P.T.R.C. Inc. specializes in helping Long Island homeowners navigate STAR and property tax assessments so you never pay more than your fair share.

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