The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today encouraged School Tax Relief (STAR) credit recipients in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady Counties to have their STAR credit payments direct deposited into their bank accounts. New York State’s STAR program provides property tax relief to eligible New York State homeowners.

STAR credit recipients should enroll in direct deposit by the following dates to ensure they receive their credit by direct deposit this year:

• Rensselaer City School District: August 2
• Schenectady School District: August 2
• Troy School District: August 2
• All other school districts in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady Counties: August 21

STAR credit recipients who enroll in direct deposit after their credit has been processed will receive their credit as a check this year. In future years they will receive their STAR benefit by direct deposit as long as they remain eligible.

Homeowners 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. Homeowners receiving the STAR exemption will continue to receive it as a reduction on their school property tax bill as long as they remain eligible.

STAR recipients who are unsure which STAR benefit they are receiving can check their registration status on the Tax Department’s Homeowner Benefit Portal.

Sign up for the Tax Department’s new Homeowner Benefit Portal

Homeowners can check their registration status or enroll in the STAR Credit Direct Deposit program through a new Homeowner Benefit Portal within the Tax Department’s secure Online Services system. Homeowners will also be able to use the Homeowner Benefit Portal to manage their STAR benefits easily and efficiently. Homeowners can use the portal to:

• register for STAR
• enroll in STAR Credit Direct Deposit
• check the status of their property tax registrations
• switch to the STAR credit
• view, edit, or close their registrations
• ensure their information is accurate and complete
• take action to resolve issues

For instructions to access the portal, visit Homeowner Benefit Portal.

About the STAR program

The STAR Program is a New York State property tax relief program for homeowners. The amount of savings varies by school district, but most recipients save hundreds of dollars each year through the STAR program. You can find more information about STAR Credit Direct Deposit on the Tax Department’s website at www.tax.ny.gov (search: STAR). For more information about the STAR program, please visit the Tax Department’s STAR Resource Center.