With federal tax season wrapped up back in April, most Americans have already received their federal tax rebates. But on the state level, things are still moving—and if you’re a resident of New York, there’s good news. A fresh round of property tax relief is being rolled out this August, offering eligible homeowners tax rebates ranging from $300 to $1,500.
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Statevs Federal Tax
Most people think of income tax when taxes are mentioned. While everyone earning above a certain income must file federal income tax, not all states impose a state income tax. Federal income tax thresholds vary by filing status. Here’s a quick breakdown for those under age 65:
| Filing Status | Must File If Income Exceeds |
|---|---|
| Single | $14,600 |
| Head of Household | $21,900 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $29,200 |
| Married Filing Separately | $5 |
| Qualifying Surviving Spouse | $29,200 |
Even if you’re not required to pay federal taxes, you still must file to claim refunds, credits, or if you earned more than $400 from self-employment. The same general rule applies at the state level. However, residents in Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming don’t pay state income taxes.
New York Relief
This month, New York is stepping up to help homeowners with rising living costs—particularly property taxes. Through the School Tax Relief (STAR) Program, around 3 million residents will benefit from rebates totaling $2.2 billion statewide.
There are two main STAR programs:
- Basic STAR: For homeowners with household incomes of $500,000 or less
- Enhanced STAR: For seniors aged 65+ (or couples where one spouse is 65+) with combined incomes of $107,300 or less for fiscal year 2025
Here’s what you might receive under each:
| STAR Type | Income Limit | Estimated Rebate Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Basic STAR | Up to $500,000 | $300 to $600 |
| Enhanced STAR | Up to $107,300 (65+) | $700 to $1,500 |
The exact rebate depends on your location, as school district taxes vary across New York.
More Help
New York isn’t stopping with STAR. The state is introducing other programs aimed at helping low-income families, especially those with newborns. One new initiative is the BABY Payment Program, short for Birth Allowance for Beginning Year.
Families who had a baby between 2025 and 2026 and are receiving state social assistance may receive a one-time $1,800 payment. This payment is meant to help with the early costs of raising a newborn—things like diapers, formula, cribs, and medical needs.
Why It Matters
Between STAR rebates and the BABY stimulus, New York is actively trying to reduce the pressure of high living costs on working families and seniors. Property tax relief, especially in a state with some of the highest school tax bills in the country, can go a long way toward making ends meet.
As inflation and cost-of-living challenges continue, these targeted efforts are helping to bridge the financial gap for millions of residents.