How NY delivers STAR credit checks
Since 2016, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance — not local assessors — has handled the STAR credit. If you registered for the STAR credit (rather than the older STAR exemption), you receive a check or direct deposit each year before your school taxes come due.
The state stages mailings by school district so checks arrive shortly before that district’s school tax bill is due. For Long Island that means:
- Nassau districts — first-half school tax due October 1. STAR checks typically mail mid-August through mid-September.
- Suffolk districts — first-half school tax due January 10 (issued in December). STAR checks typically mail October through early November.
If your district has a different timeline (some East End districts), check the official schedule for your exact district name.
2026 STAR check — common scenarios
- I registered last year. Do I need to do anything? — No. STAR credit registrations renew automatically. NY State pulls your income data from your tax returns each year and confirms you still qualify.
- I just bought my home. When do I get STAR? — You must register at tax.ny.gov/star. New homeowners only receive the STAR credit (check or direct deposit), not the older STAR exemption. Once registered, you start receiving the check the next school-tax cycle.
- My income changed — am I still eligible? — Basic STAR credit requires combined household income ≤ $500,000 (owners and resident spouses). Enhanced STAR (age 65+) requires income ≤ $110,750. If your income exceeds the threshold for the year being verified, the check stops automatically.
- I switched from STAR exemption to STAR credit. — If you opted in to the credit (or were forced to switch because your income exceeded the exemption threshold), you no longer receive an upfront discount on your school tax bill. You pay the full bill and get a check separately.
How to check the status of your STAR check
NY State offers two ways:
- STAR Credit Delivery Schedule. Search for your school district at tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/star-check-delivery-schedule.htm — the page shows the estimated issue date for your district.
- STAR Credit Lookup tool. Once your check has been issued, you can look up the exact amount and issue date at tax.ny.gov/star using your property’s SWIS code and parcel ID.
If the schedule says your district’s checks were mailed more than two weeks ago and yours hasn’t arrived:
- Confirm your address on file with NY State is current. Address changes at the USPS do not automatically update with the Tax Department.
- Call NY State STAR support at (518) 457-2036 to request a stop-payment and reissue.
- If you moved, ensure your new property is registered (the old one’s STAR doesn’t follow you).
What if my check is much smaller than last year?
Three common causes:
- Your school district’s STAR savings dropped. The state recalculates STAR savings every year based on the school district’s tax rate. If your district’s rate fell or other adjustments happened, your check shrinks even though your income didn’t change.
- You aged out of Basic and into Enhanced, but didn’t apply. Enhanced STAR has a separate registration. Don’t assume you’ll be auto-upgraded.
- You crossed the $250,000 income exemption threshold. If your combined income exceeded $250,000 for the year being verified, you got moved from the STAR exemption to the STAR credit. The credit is typically smaller, especially in your first transition year.
Frequently asked questions
Why hasn’t my STAR check arrived yet?
The state mails checks by school district based on each district’s tax due date. If your district’s estimated issue date hasn’t passed yet (per the official schedule), your check is on track. If the estimated date has passed by more than two weeks, contact NY State at (518) 457-2036.
Can I switch from the STAR credit (check) to the STAR exemption (bill discount)?
Only if you owned and applied for the exemption before March 1, 2015 — and only if your income is ≤ $250,000. Most current homeowners can only receive the credit. See our comparison.
I just bought my home. Will I get a STAR check this year?
Probably not for the current school tax year. New homeowners must register at tax.ny.gov/star, and the state needs time to verify ownership and income. Most new homeowners receive their first check the year after they register.
My check is in my deceased parent’s name. What do I do?
Do not deposit it. Contact NY State to update ownership records. You’ll need to re-register the STAR credit under your name as the current owner. The check may need to be reissued.
How does NY know my income?
The state cross-references your STAR registration with your most recent NYS income tax return. There’s no separate annual STAR income filing — it happens automatically.
I have direct deposit set up. When does the money hit?
Direct deposits arrive on the same estimated issue date as paper checks, but typically clear your account 1–3 business days faster. The state encourages signing up for direct deposit through your tax.ny.gov individual account.
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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 17, 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.