STAR is New York State’s School Tax Relief Program that provides a partial property tax exemption from the school taxes to eligible homeowners. STAR is the New York State School Tax Relief Program. It exempts a portion of a home’s full value from school property tax for eligible homeowners. New Yorkers who own and live in their homes and meet certain income requirements can participate in the STAR program for their primary residence.
The STAR Program Has Two Kinds of Exemptions:
Basic STAR
This exemption is available for owner-occupied, primary residences, regardless of the owners’ ages, for those with household incomes below $500,000. The program works by exempting a portion of the full value of a home from school taxes. Each city or town has a different exemption amount. Homeowners only need to apply for Basic STAR once, and it remains in effect for that property each year. For many homeowners, STAR is applied directly to property tax bills. However, in 2016, the state began transitioning STAR to a credit that comes in the form of a check directly from the state. When people buy a new home (first-time or otherwise), they need to register with the State of New York or call (518) 457-2036.
Enhanced STAR
This exemption is available for the primary residences of people age 65 and older with yearly household incomes that do not exceed a level set by the state. Like Basic STAR, this program exempts a portion of the owner’s residence from school taxes, but the Enhanced STAR exemption is larger. Again, each city or town has a different exemption amount.
STAR is a state program, which school districts have no control. Homeowners must go through their town assessor’s office to apply for the exemptions.
Budget & Finance Links
Budget & Finance Contacts
Liberty Central School District
115 Buckley Street
Liberty, NY 12754
Laurene M. McKenna
Assistant Superintendent for Business
Phone: (845) 292-6171
Julie Vogler
Accountant
Phone: (845) 292-5400, Ext. 2059