NY homeowner tax rebate checks arriving early

ALBANY, N.Y. (WHEC) – New York has started mailing out homeowner tax rebate checks several months earlier than originally planned.

The homeowner tax rebate credit is a one-year program providing direct property tax relief to nearly three million eligible homeowners in 2022.

New York is set to spend $2.2 billion in one-time property tax rebates for low and middle-income homeowners. That rebate was expected to arrive this fall when the Democratic governor is set to appear on the ballot, however, New Yorkers have already started seeing the checks in the mail.

Less than a month before the Democratic gubernatorial primary on June 28, the move has sparked controversy.

According to the New York Post, U.S. Rep. Thomas Suozzi criticized the move, arguing that the governor is "bribing the voters before the election … (and) if it’s not illegal, it should be illegal." Suozzi is a Democrat running against Hochul in the primary, along with New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

“Given rising costs and national inflation, the Department of Tax and Finance has been working to deliver these benefits to eligible homeowners as quickly as practicable and not delay relief at a time when so many New Yorkers are struggling,” Hochul spokesperson Hazel Crampton-Hays said.

As stated on the Department of Taxation and Finance website, New Yorkers that are eligible don’t need to do anything—they will automatically send you a check for the amount of your credit. If you don’t get your check by early July, expect it before your school tax bill is due. Their contact center can’t provide a specific timeframe.

For more information and to find out your eligibility, please click here.

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In order to be eligible, you must have:

• qualified for a 2022 STAR credit or exemption,
• had income that was less than or equal to $250,000 for the 2020 income tax year, and
• a school tax liability for the 2022-2023 school year that is more than your 2022 STAR benefit.

The amount of your rebate credit will depend on:

• where your home is located,
• how much your income is, and
• whether you receive Enhanced STAR or Basic STAR.

To find the amount you’ll receive for the homeowner tax rebate credit:

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