New York confirms checks of up to $1,500 for millions in 2026

New York’s STAR property-tax relief program will provide checks ranging from $350 to $1,500 to eligible homeowners and older residents in 2026. Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $2 billion in tax relief in June, with the program expected to reach nearly 3 million residents.

The School Tax Relief program helps reduce the cost of residential school property taxes across New York. The state Department of Taxation and Finance distributes the assistance by mail or direct deposit, and eligible taxpayers receive the money before their local school-tax payments are due.

Most eligible homeowners enrolled in the STAR credit program can receive between $350 and $600 if their primary residence qualifies and their annual income does not exceed $500,000. Residents aged 65 or older with lower incomes may qualify for Enhanced STAR. Those with annual incomes of up to $110,750 can receive between $700 and $1,500.

The official breakdown estimates 2.78 million recipients statewide. Long Island accounts for the largest share, with $659.2 million allocated to 572,000 recipients. Mid-Hudson follows with $461.1 million for 397,000 people. In New York City, about 474,000 residents are expected to receive a combined $149.7 million. Finger Lakes is set to receive $193.7 million for 274,000 residents, while the Capital District and Western New York are allocated $136.4 million and $168.5 million, respectively.

The tax department will send checks automatically to taxpayers already listed in the STAR program who meet the requirements.