Press Release

Release: New Homeowners In County Could Be Affected By Changes To STAR Program

New York State Begins Transition Process Towards New Check Program For STAR Tax Recipients

FONDA - Due to a transition in the STAR school tax exemption program, some Montgomery County residents will receive their STAR benefits directly from New York State. As part of the 2016-17 New York State Budget, the STAR exemption program is being transitioned to a check based program for all NEW homeowners. This change does not affect any other property tax exemptions, such as Veterans or Agriculture, which will still be administered by your local assessor.

The amount of your STAR benefit will be the same whether you receive an exemption or credit.

If you previously had the STAR exemption on your property for the 2015-16 school year, Basic or Enhanced, you will remain in the program, as long as you continue to meet the requirements and stay in your current home.

In most of Montgomery County, if you purchased you home after March 1, 2015, you are not eligible for the STAR exemption program, but you may register for the new rebate check program. Because the City of Amsterdam has an earlier tax calendar, homeowners who purchased property in the city, after December 1, 2014, are not eligible for the exemption.

You can register for the new STAR credit here.*

If you register prior to July 1, and meet the eligibility requirements, New York State will mail you a check by the end of September. If you register after July 1, you will still receive a check, but it will arrive after September.

This program is being completely administered and maintained by the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance. If you have questions, you can contact that department at (518) 457-2036.

Once you are registered with New York State for this new program, homeowners will not need to register again, unless their eligibility changes. The state will send them a check automatically each year.

If you applied for the STAR exemption with a local assessor and are affected by this change, you will receive a letter in the mail with instructions for registering with New York State for the rebate check program.

Moving forward, there will be no new STAR exemptions granted. If you purchase a new home, you will have to register with New York State for the rebate check program.

If you have general tax questions, please contact the Montgomery County Real Property Office at (518) 853-3996.