More than 500,000 on Long Island to receive STAR tax relief

More than 500,000 eligible Long Islanders will receive $659.2 million in tax relief beginning this summer through New York’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday that 572,000 Long Island homeowners out of the nearly 3 million eligible New Yorkers can expect to receive a STAR credit or STAR exemption on their school tax bill.

The Long Island figures are down slightly from last year's, when the state said 582,000 Long Island homeowners received $698.4 million.

The state Tax Department said the variation is a normal fluctuation. Among the primary reasons why the number of participants can vary is some households’ income advancing beyond the $500,000 annual joint income allowed for STAR participation.

Sometimes, home sales and closing dates can result in eligibility lagging in one calendar year. Deaths and estate settlements also impact how many households receive STAR benefits in a calendar year.

More than $2 billion will be granted in tax relief to 2.78 million New Yorkers through the fall. Homeowners with a combined household income below $500,000 will receive a credit between $350 and $600.

Enrolled seniors with an income below $110,750 can expect to receive $700 to $1,500, a statement said.

Recipients who receive a tax credit will be mailed a check this summer or fall. They can also visit ny.gov/STAR to enroll in direct deposit or track their check delivery.

The tax department will also hold regional STAR seminars statewide where New Yorkers can learn how to enroll in the program and maximize their benefits.

The Nassau County session will happen July 28 at East Meadow Public Library in East Meadow from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., while the Suffolk County session will be on July 27  at Middle Country Public Library in Selden from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The Suffolk department of tax and finance changed the date of the session from the original one of July 27.

Newsday's Yancey Roy contributed to this story.