Top New York STAR Regions Receiving the Biggest 2026 Property Tax Relief

New York’s STAR property tax relief program is rolling out again, and the biggest share of this year’s benefits is going to homeowners in the state’s largest and most heavily taxed regions.

Gov. Kathy Hochul says the 2026 STAR benefit season is now moving into phase two, with checks and direct deposits going out to eligible homeowners in areas with school tax due dates in August and September.

Seniors enrolled in Enhanced STAR can receive payments of about $700 to $1,500, while most regular STAR credit recipients get roughly $350 to $600.

Read: TANF Cash Benefits July 2026: State Payment Schedule for Families

Where the Biggest STAR Relief Is Going

State data shows nearly 3 million homeowners are expected to receive more than $2.2 billion in STAR relief this year through exemptions, credits, checks, or direct deposits. The largest regional totals are concentrated in the following areas:

Long Island and the Mid-Hudson Valley are again the two biggest recipients by far, together accounting for well over $1 billion in STAR relief.

What Happens Next for Homeowners

Phase one of the 2026 STAR season already covered communities with school tax due dates in June and July, including New York City, Yonkers, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. Those payments were completed last week, and the current wave now focuses on the next group of homeowners.

Eligible homeowners can receive STAR in two ways:

• STAR exemption, which lowers the school tax bill directly.

• STAR credit, which is paid by check or direct deposit.

Homeowners who want to follow their STAR credit can use the state’s STAR Credit Delivery Schedule to check timing.

Those who want faster access can enroll in direct deposit through the Homeowner Benefit Portal, though sign-ups made too close to a scheduled payment may still result in a paper check this year.

Why This Matters for New York Homeowners

For many families, STAR remains one of the most visible forms of New York property tax relief.

The program helps reduce school tax costs at a time when housing expenses continue to strain household budgets.

The current rollout also shows how uneven the relief is across the state: some regions receive much larger totals because they have more eligible homeowners and higher property tax burdens.

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