What happens at closing, exactly
STAR is tied to ownership + primary-residence status. The day title transfers, the seller’s STAR exemption is removed from the property tax roll. If your closing happens between assessment cycles, the change usually reflects on your first full school tax bill (October in Suffolk, December in Nassau).
You’re not retroactively charged — you just don’t get the seller’s STAR. You have to register for your own.
The same applies to other exemptions the seller may have had: Senior Citizens, Enhanced STAR, Alternative Veterans, Volunteer Firefighter. Every one of these is owner-specific and disappears at closing.
When to register STAR — timing matters
The faster you register, the less you pay out of pocket. NY State accepts STAR Credit registrations year-round at tax.ny.gov/star.
- If you close before March 1: Register immediately. Your first full year bill will reflect your STAR credit.
- If you close after March 1 but before the next school tax bill: Register immediately. You’ll receive a partial-year STAR credit check.
- If you close mid-year: Register the day after closing. NY State will pro-rate your credit for the months you owned the home.
There is no filing fee. Registration takes 10-15 minutes online.
What new LI buyers should do in their first 30 days
- Register for STAR — tax.ny.gov/star — 10-15 minutes online
- Check if you qualify for other exemptions — Veterans, disability, volunteer firefighter — each is separate from STAR
- Confirm your assessment is accurate — Use Nassau LRV (Nassau) or your town assessor portal (Suffolk)
- File a grievance if assessment is high — Tax grievance guide — Nassau by March 31, Suffolk by third Tuesday of May
- Set a calendar reminder for the next grievance window — Year-after-year filing keeps assessment in check
- Update tax escrow with your mortgage company — If you have an escrow account, notify your lender of the new exemption status
Common buyer questions
My listing showed $9,000/yr in taxes. Why is my actual bill $12,500?
Almost certainly because the seller had STAR (and possibly Senior or Veteran exemptions). Once those drop off at closing, the bill is the full amount until you register your own STAR. Use our buyer calculator to see your projected post-sale bill.
Can I get the seller’s STAR transferred?
No. STAR is non-transferable. Each owner registers their own. The good news: you only have to do it once.
What if I bought a co-op or condo?
Same rules apply. Register at tax.ny.gov/star. For co-ops, the credit flows through the corporation; for condos, you receive it directly.
I bought 6 months ago and never registered. Did I miss it?
No. Register now and you’ll start receiving the credit for the next school tax year. You won’t get back-credits for the months you weren’t registered.
Estimate your exact property tax bill
Enter any Long Island address to see the median bill for the district, your projected bill if you bought today, and how exemptions roll off after a sale.
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Sources and citations
- NY Tax & Finance — STAR resource center tax.ny.gov
- NY Tax & Finance — STAR eligibility tax.ny.gov
Last verified May 11, 2026. Tax rules change; we re-check every page each quarter.
Educational content and estimates only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Verify with your county or town receiver, an attorney or a CPA before making financial decisions.