How We Help with School Taxes
STAR Application Support
We assist in applying for Basic and Enhanced STAR to lower your school taxes.
Property Assessment Review
We ensure your property is accurately assessed for fair tax calculations.
Tax Savings Advice
We offer expert guidance to maximize your school tax savings.
The New York State School Tax Relief Program, commonly known as the STAR Program, is designed to reduce the school district property taxes on the primary residences of New York residents. Established on August 7, 1997, as part of the state budget under Governor George Pataki, the STAR Program offers significant tax relief by lowering the taxable value of your home.
The STAR Program is available in two forms: Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR. Basic STAR exempts $30,000 from the assessed value of the primary residence of any New York State homeowner. Enhanced STAR provides even greater relief for senior citizens aged 65 and older, exempting a higher, annually adjusted amount—such as $56,800 for the 2008-2009 school year. This program effectively reduces your school tax burden without affecting the overall revenue of your school district, as the difference is compensated by state funds.
How it Works
The STAR rebate is subtracted from the “true value” of your home, which is determined during the last property assessment. This value is adjusted by an equalization rate, which aligns the assessed value with the market value across different taxing jurisdictions. Because property assessments are not conducted annually and school districts often overlap with multiple municipalities, equalization rates ensure that property values are standardized within each district.
With the STAR Program, New York residents can benefit from reduced school district property taxes, making homeownership more affordable and manageable. Contact us today to learn how you can take advantage of this valuable program and reduce your tax burden effectively.
