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Register for the Basic and Enhanced STAR credits

The STAR program can save homeowners hundreds of dollars each year. You only need to register once, and the Tax Department will issue a STAR credit payment to you each year, as long as you’re eligible. See the STAR resource center to learn more. 

You should register for the STAR credit if you are:

  • a new homeowner;
  • receiving the STAR exemption but want to switch to the STAR credit;
  • a manufactured homeowner who received a letter that you must register for the STAR credit to continue receiving a STAR benefit (Form RP-425-RMM);
  • an existing homeowner who is not receiving the STAR exemption or credit; or
  • a senior who may be eligible for the Enhanced STAR credit. (Note: If you are already receiving the STAR credit, you do not need to register again. You will automatically receive the Enhanced STAR credit if you are eligible.)

You should update your registration if:

  • you received a letter stating that you must update your registration (such as Form RP-425-RDM), or
  • your property has an ownership change due to marriage, divorce, surrender of interest by a co-owner, survivorship, trust, life estate, or name change.

Note: After you select Get Started below, the application will prompt you to select whether you are:

  • switching from the STAR exemption to the STAR credit,
  • updating your registration, or
  • registering for the STAR credit for the first time.

When should I register?

You should register for the STAR credit as soon as your home becomes your primary residence.

If you’re switching to the STAR credit from the STAR exemption, see Deadline to switch to the STAR credit from the STAR exemption.

When will I receive my STAR credit?

Use the STAR Credit Delivery Schedule for updated information on when we will begin to issue STAR credit payments in your area.

Already registered for the STAR credit?

You don’t need to register again unless there’s been a change in the ownership of your home. (See the list of who should update their registration above.) We’ll review your information every year and automatically issue a STAR credit to you if you’re eligible. You'll receive your credit as a check in the mail, or you can enroll in STAR Credit Direct Deposit.

Is there a separate registration for the Enhanced STAR credit?

No. After you register, you'll automatically receive the Enhanced STAR credit if you qualify. (See STAR eligibility.)

Before you start

Before you start, have the following information for reference. If you don’t have the necessary information, you won’t be able to save the registration to complete at a later time.

Note: You will be prompted to provide a Property key, but it is not required to complete the registration.

  • names and Social Security numbers for all owners of the property and their spouses (you may be asked to enter this information more than once to show the relationships between owners)
  • the name of the school district where your primary residence is located 
  • approximate date the owners purchased the property and the name of the sellers (this information is not required, but it can help us to smoothly process your registration)
  • the most recent school tax bill, if the current owners received one (view examples)
  • address of any residential property owned in another state 
  • the legal name of the trust, if applicable 
  • 2022 federal or state income tax returns for all owners

If you were not required to file a 2022 income tax return, you will need the following additional information for all property owners:

  • total wages, salaries, and tips
  • taxable interest income and dividends
  • unemployment compensation
  • total pensions and annuities
  • Social Security benefits
  • other income.

Ready?

GET STARTED

After you register

  1. Print a copy of the confirmation page.
  2. Note your confirmation number. You’ll need it for verification purposes if you contact us later. If you provided your email address, we'll send you an email with your confirmation number.

If you are eligible, we'll issue your STAR credit payment before your school tax bill is due. To see if you’ll begin receiving the STAR credit this year or next year, see Deadline to switch to the STAR credit from the STAR exemption.

Mortgage escrow accounts: If you pay school taxes through a mortgage escrow account, you may want to contact the mortgage lender or its agent to advise them that you have switched to the STAR credit from the STAR exemption.

In future years

You don’t need to register again in future years unless there is a change in the ownership of your home. After you register for the STAR credit, each year we'll automatically review your application to determine whether you’re eligible for the Basic or Enhanced STAR credit. If you’re eligible, we'll issue your credit payment in the appropriate amount.

If you receive a letter from us

If we need additional information to process your registration, or if our records indicate that you are not eligible for the credit, we will send you a letter. The letter will explain how to provide the requested information and how to respond if you disagree.

Resources

STAR ad

couple outside of house with sold sign

Real estate professionals: Get the handout for new homeowners!

Realtors and attorneys, as your clients purchase new homes, we encourage you to provide them with this printable one-page handout: Register for the School Tax Relief (STAR) credit.

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