Do I have to apply for NYS Enhanced Star every year? A Senior's Guide

Oct 23, 2025 3 min read •

Aging senior care Finance

According to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, thousands of eligible homeowners receive school property tax relief through the STAR program. For senior citizens, the question of Do I have to apply for NYS Enhanced Star every year often arises, and the answer depends on which version of the benefit you receive.

Quick Summary

Most senior homeowners who receive the Enhanced STAR benefit as a credit through the Income Verification Program (IVP) do not need to reapply annually. However, those on the older, on-bill Enhanced STAR exemption might still need to renew each year with their local assessor unless they enroll in IVP.

Key Points

Automatic Renewal: Most Enhanced STAR recipients receive their benefit as a state-issued credit and are automatically renewed each year through the Income Verification Program (IVP).
Annual Reapplication: Some long-term recipients who receive the older Enhanced STAR exemption (a bill reduction) must reapply annually with their local assessor unless they enroll in IVP.
Benefit Type Matters: Knowing whether you have the STAR credit or the older STAR exemption is key to determining your renewal requirements.
Update Registration for Life Changes: Changes in ownership, like marriage, divorce, or death of a spouse, require you to update your registration with the state Tax Department.
Upgrading Eligibility: Seniors moving from the Basic STAR exemption to Enhanced STAR must file an application to upgrade and enroll in the IVP.
Switching is an Option: Recipients of the older exemption can switch to the STAR credit for automatic renewal and potentially greater savings over time.

Understanding the Shift from STAR Exemption to STAR Credit

New York State has transitioned the STAR program, with most homeowners now receiving their benefit as a credit from the state Tax Department rather than a reduction on their school tax bill (the exemption).

The Enhanced STAR Credit and Automatic Renewal

If you receive the Enhanced STAR benefit as a credit, annual renewal is generally not required. Credit recipients are automatically enrolled in the Income Verification Program (IVP), which allows the state Tax Department to verify your income eligibility automatically each year, removing the need for you to file annual renewal applications with your local assessor.

The Older Enhanced STAR Exemption and Annual Renewal

Some long-time homeowners who have had STAR since 2015 or earlier may still receive the benefit as an exemption on their tax bill. If you are an Enhanced STAR exemption recipient and are not enrolled in the IVP, you must continue to file renewal applications with your local assessor each year. Failing to meet the annual deadline, often March 1st, could result in losing your benefit. The state recommends switching to the STAR credit for automatic renewal and potential annual increases in the benefit amount.

Comparison: Enhanced STAR Credit vs. Enhanced STAR Exemption


Feature	Enhanced STAR Credit	Enhanced STAR Exemption
How benefit is received	A check or direct deposit from NYS Tax Department.	A reduction on your school tax bill.
Annual renewal required?	No, once enrolled, eligibility is verified automatically via the Income Verification Program (IVP).	Yes, if not enrolled in IVP, you must reapply with your local assessor each year.
Maximum benefit growth	Annual increases of up to 2% are possible.	Benefit value is frozen at the prior year's level.
Application for new recipients?	The only option for new applicants and most upgrades. Register with NYS Tax Department.	Not available to new homeowners since 2015; only for those grandfathered in.

When Life Changes Affect Your STAR Benefit

Even with automatic renewal, certain changes require updating your registration with the New York State Tax Department. These include changes in property ownership due to marriage, divorce, a co-owner surrendering interest, survivorship, or a name change. You should also close your registration if you sell your property or no longer want the benefit. If you move, you must register your new home as your primary residence to continue receiving STAR.

How to Upgrade from Basic to Enhanced STAR

If you are 65 or older, meet income requirements, and currently receive the Basic STAR exemption, you may be eligible to upgrade to Enhanced STAR. To do this, contact your local assessor to confirm eligibility (you must have received a STAR exemption on the property as of the 2015-16 tax year) and obtain the necessary forms, typically the Enhanced STAR Exemption Application (RP-425-E) and the IVP form (RP-425-IVP). Enrolling in IVP will provide automatic income verification in subsequent years, eliminating the need for annual renewals. Switching to the STAR credit directly through the state Tax Department is another option that may offer a greater annual benefit.

Conclusion

Whether you need to apply for NYS Enhanced STAR every year depends on if you receive the STAR credit or the older exemption. Most seniors receiving the credit benefit from automatic renewal through the Income Verification Program. However, those with the older exemption not enrolled in IVP must continue annual reapplications with their local assessor. Keeping your registration updated after significant life or ownership changes is essential for all recipients. For detailed information, visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

Actionable Checklist for STAR Recipients

Identify Your Benefit: Determine if you receive the STAR credit or exemption by checking your school tax bill or the NYS Tax Department website.
Credit Recipients: Automatic renewal through IVP generally means no annual reapplication is needed.
Exemption Recipients: Unless enrolled in IVP, you must file an annual renewal with your local assessor by the deadline.
Consider Switching: Exemption recipients can switch to the STAR credit for automatic renewal and potential savings growth.
Report Changes: Notify the state Tax Department of any ownership changes, such as marriage or death of a spouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

The IVP is a program that allows the New York State Tax Department to automatically verify your income eligibility each year, eliminating the need for annual renewal applications for Enhanced STAR credit recipients.

You can check your school property tax bill. If you see a STAR reduction on the bill, you have the exemption. If you receive a check or direct deposit from the state for your STAR benefit, you have the credit.

Yes, you can choose to switch to the STAR credit program through the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance website. This is recommended, as the credit offers automatic renewal and potential for greater savings increases over time.

For those who must file a renewal, the deadline is typically March 1st in most municipalities, though it can vary. It is important to confirm the exact date with your local assessor's office.

Yes, a change in ownership, including the death of a spouse, requires you to update your registration with the New York State Tax Department to continue receiving your benefit. A surviving spouse may be eligible to retain the exemption under specific circumstances.

If you are on the older exemption and forget to renew annually with your local assessor, you will lose your benefit for that year. You can reapply for the STAR credit for the following year.

Yes, new homeowners must register directly with the NYS Tax Department to receive the STAR credit. They will not be able to get the older exemption.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.