3 New York Property Tax Breaks Some Homeowners Over 65 Never Apply For

If groceries, utilities, and insurance already stretch your budget, a smaller property tax bill would help.

That’s possible for many older New Yorkers, through state and local programs.

But the programs differ.

These are the New York property tax breaks some homeowners over 65 never apply for.

Note: This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Exemption rules, income limits, and deadlines are subject to change.

1. Enhanced STAR

Enhanced STAR is the School Tax Relief (STAR) benefit for homeowners 65 and older.

It can save more than Basic STAR.

You qualify with income of $110,750 or less for 2026, up from $107,300 for 2025.

It applies to the first $88,500 of your home’s full value for the 2026-2027 school year.

If you’re registering for STAR for the first time, you get it as a credit from the state, since the exemption is no longer available to new applicants.

If you share the home with anyone, only one resident owner has to be 65, no matter how the owners are related.

Since 2026, you don’t have to apply to move up to Enhanced STAR when you turn 65, if you already get a STAR credit or exemption.

Some owners skip registering for STAR.

The Tax Department lets you claim prior-year credits for up to three years back.

It’s worth checking.

2. Senior Citizens Exemption

The senior citizens exemption lets local governments and school districts cut the taxable assessment of an older owner’s home by as much as 50%.

You generally have to be 65 or older.

If you own the home with someone else, each of you has to be 65.

If you’re husband and wife or siblings, one is enough.

Each local government and school district decides whether to offer the exemption.

That’s the catch.

Each sets a maximum income, anywhere from $3,000 to $50,000.

Your spouse’s income goes into that total.

Where the cap is $50,000, you can still get a smaller cut of 5% to 20% with income up to $58,399.

You file the application with your assessor, and the deadline is usually March 1.

Some places, including all Westchester County towns, use a taxable status date of April 15 or later.

Bought your home after the deadline?

You can apply up to 30 days after the purchase.

3. New York City's Senior Homeowner Exemption

New York City's Senior Homeowner Exemption takes up to 50% off your home's assessed value.

Every owner has to be 65 or older.

If the owners are spouses or siblings, one is enough.

Your combined income with a spouse or co-owner can't top $58,399.

Counted income includes items such as Social Security, retirement benefits, and net rental income.

The full 50% covers income up to $50,000, then the cut steps down in stages to 5%.

Mind the calendar.

File by March 15, and the exemption starts with the tax year that begins July 1.

If that day falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.

Applications can typically be filed online from September 28 to March 15.

You generally need to have owned your home for 12 consecutive months before you file.

All owners have to live there, with exceptions for divorce, legal separation, or abandonment.

Co-op units have a separate online application.

The Property Tax Credit on Your Income Tax Return

The property tax credit is a state income tax credit for the property taxes you pay.

You can claim as much as $75 when everyone on your return is under 65.

The credit can reach $375 if you, your spouse, or a dependent you claim is 65 or older.

Your federal adjusted gross income has to be $18,000 or less.

All the land and buildings you own, including your house and garage, have to be worth $85,000 or less.

Both limits apply.

You have to have lived in the same residence for six months or more.

You claim the credit on Form IT-214, either with your state return or by itself if you don't have to file one.

Because it comes through your income tax return, your property tax bill doesn't change.

If the credit is more than the income taxes you owe, you can claim a refund.

The Tax Department lists April 15, 2027, as the last day to claim the 2023 credit.

For 2024, it's April 17, 2028.

Checking Your STAR Status

You can review your STAR registration through the Homeowner Benefit Portal, in your Individual Online Services account.

The Tax Department's lookup tool shows whether a STAR credit has been issued, including for prior years.

STAR credits go out on a schedule that varies by area, and a delivery schedule lookup shows when yours is due.

If you don't have to file income tax returns, you may get a letter requesting your income information.