New York State is offering a rebate of up to $400 for eligible households as part of its ongoing effort to provide financial relief to homeowners. With the rising cost of living, this rebate comes as a welcome benefit for many. But the big question is: Do you need to apply to get it, or is it automatic?
Here’s a full breakdown of who qualifies, how it works, and what you should do next.
What Is the $400 Rebate?
The rebate is part of the Homeowner Tax Rebate Credit (HTRC) program. It was first introduced in 2022 and has been continued in different forms based on the state’s yearly budget decisions. The main aim is to ease the pressure of property taxes for middle- and lower-income homeowners.
In 2025, the maximum rebate is up to $400, depending on your location, household income, and local property tax rate.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify for this rebate if:
- You are a New York State homeowner
- You qualify for the STAR (School Tax Relief) credit or exemption
- Your household income in 2023 was below $250,000
- The property is your primary residence
- You are up to date with your property tax payments
The actual rebate amount may vary by school district, but it will not exceed $400.
Renters and people who do not pay property taxes are not eligible for this rebate, but they may qualify for other state or local assistance programs.
Do You Have to Apply?
In most cases, no. If you are already registered for the STAR program, the rebate will be issued automatically. There is no separate application required.
However, if you have not yet applied for STAR, you will need to register for it. Once your STAR application is approved, you may then qualify for the rebate.
To register, visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website and follow the STAR enrollment instructions.
When Will Payments Be Sent?
Payments are expected to start going out in summer 2025, likely by July or August. The exact timeline may vary based on your location and how quickly your local property tax office processes your data.
How Will You Receive the Rebate?
The rebate will be issued in the same way you normally receive your STAR benefit:
- If you get STAR via direct deposit, your rebate will also be deposited directly into your account.
- If you receive STAR as a check, the rebate will be mailed to your registered address.
Make sure your contact information is up to date with the tax department to avoid any delays.
Missed It Last Year?
If you didn’t receive a rebate last year and think you were eligible, you can contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to file a review or correction request. Common reasons for missing out include ownership changes, missing STAR registration, or incorrect records.
How to Check If You’re Eligible
To check your eligibility, use the online checker tool on the official New York State Tax Department website. Enter your property and income details to see if you qualify and how much you could receive.
This tool can also help you understand whether you need to take any further action.
Final Words
This rebate program is designed to help homeowners get some relief from high property taxes. The good news is that if you’re already enrolled in the STAR program, you likely don’t need to do anything. Your payment will be processed automatically.
But if you’re unsure or haven’t signed up for STAR yet, now is a good time to do so. A quick check could bring you a rebate of up to $400, completely free and tax-exempt.