$1,450 Checks Coming for FREE to Most Homeowners in New York State

Most homeowners are getting ready to get a nice FREE check in the mail from New York State. It is that time of the year for your reminder to make sure that you are signed up to get your money in New York State. Some come in the form of checks and some come direct deposit.

New York State's STAR Program makes sure that money goes back into tax payers pocket specially for their school tax bill. For example, if you pay your taxes because you are a homeowner, you will get a percentage back when school taxes are due in your area.

The amount that you get is determined on a few things:

1. Where you live
2. Where you live determines what percentage of your taxes you will get back
3. How much money your entire household makes
4. Whether you get BASIC STAR or ENCHANCED STAR that is generally for New York State residents over 65 years old.

What is the difference between the basic STAR check from New York State and the Enhanced STAR check? How do I get the ENCHANCED STAR Check?
The Basic STAR exemption is available to all eligible homeowners with incomes below $250,000, regardless of the owners’ age.

The Enhanced STAR exemption provides a larger benefit to seniors who meet the Enhanced income and eligibility standards. For starters, you need to be 65 or older by the end of 2025 and you must live in and own your home as your primary residence.

Here are all of the criteria to get the ENCHANCED STAR check from the State? There was important update to this year's ENCHANCED STAR check.

The income limits have gone up significantly according to the New York State website:

• The Enhanced STAR income limit for 2025 is $107,300.
• The Enhanced STAR income limit for 2026 is $110,750.

-You own your home and it is your primary residence.
-You will be 65 or older by December 31, 2024. For jointly-owned property, only one spouse or sibling must be at least 65 by that date.
-To determine your income eligibility for the 2025 Enhanced STAR exemption, refer to your 2024 state or federal income tax return:
-Federal Form 1040. Adjusted gross income (line 11) minus taxable portion of IRA distributions (4B).
-New York State Form IT-201, Resident Income Tax Return
Check out the other criteria here on the New York State website.