STAR resource center
We’re sending income request letters (Form RP-5300-WSC) to certain STAR recipients to confirm their income and determine which STAR benefit they’re entitled to.
If you received this letter, provide us with your income information online within 45 days of the date of your letter, either using:
- our online Income Verification Worksheet (no account required), or
- the Homeowner Benefit Portal in your Individual Online Services account.
If you need assistance, attend one of our in-person events where Tax Department staff will help you complete an income worksheet.
To learn more about this letter, see Respond to a STAR letter: RP-5300-WSC.
Types of STAR benefits
If you are eligible and enrolled in the STAR program, you’ll receive your benefit each year in one of two ways:
- STAR credit. If you are registered for the STAR credit, the Tax Department will issue your STAR benefit via check or direct deposit. You can use your STAR benefit to pay your school taxes. You can receive the STAR credit if you own your home and it's your primary residence and the combined income of the owners and the owners’ spouses is $500,000 or less.
- STAR exemption: a reduction on your school tax bill. If you’ve been receiving the STAR exemption since 2015, you can continue to receive it for the same primary residence. As long as you remain eligible, you’ll see a reduction on your school tax bill for the amount of your STAR exemption. Note: The STAR exemption is no longer available to new homeowners.
STAR Resources
Learn about STAR
Whether you're new to the STAR program or wondering how to receive an Enhanced benefit, review our resources for complete details.
Lookup tools
STAR information
Register for STAR
If you've recently bought your home or never applied for the STAR benefit, register—you may save hundreds each year!
- Find out if you're eligible
- Register for STAR or update your STAR registration
- Review frequently asked questions
- View Handout for new homeowners
- Use the Homeowner Benefit Portal to update your registration
Additional resources
Switching to the STAR credit
If you are voluntarily switching to the STAR credit from the exemption or you received a letter that you must update your registration (RP-425-RDM), you must complete a STAR credit registration.
- To get started, register for the STAR credit
- Deadline to switch to the STAR credit from the STAR exemption
- Compare STAR credit and exemption savings amounts for your municipality and school district
Respond to a STAR letter
We may send you a letter requesting additional information or notifying you of a change to your STAR benefit or to the STAR program.
To learn about the letter you received, see Respond to a STAR letter.