There has been two changes to the School Tax Relief (STAR) program that will impact every homeowner that qualifies for the program.

The 2019-20 state budget included the changes to the STAR program.

The first change is that anybody who makes between $250,000 to $500,000, which is the maximum income eligibility for the program, now is automatically enrolled in the STAR credit program instead of the STAR exemption program.

Kevin Okerlund, assessor for several municipalities in Chautauqua County, said the difference between the two STAR programs is that people enrolled in the STAR credit program receive a rebate check instead of having the reduction automatically taken off their property tax bill, which is what the STAR exemption program does.

He said people who make more than $250,000 will receive a letter from the state detailing the change.

The second change in the state budget to the STAR program is that anyone who is enrolled in the STAR exemption program will see no increase in their rebate. However, people enrolled in the STAR credit program can receive at most a 2 percent annual rebate increase.

“Everybody who is still in the STAR exemption program is capped at a 0% increase,” Okerlund said. “The STAR credit program will increase up to 2 percent. If you switch to the STAR credit program, you will see an increase of up to 2 percent.”

Okerlund said for homeowners who make less than $250,000 and are in the STAR exemption program, but would like to change to the STAR credit program has to register with the state.

To register for the STAR credit program, visit tax.ny.gov or call 518-457-2036.

Okerlund said during the first year of the check program, there was a delay in homeowners receiving their rebate.

Last year, however, he said the state sent the rebate checks out at the beginning of September and homeowners were able to receive them before their school property taxes were due, which is Sept. 30.

The change doesn’t impact senior citizens who get Enhanced STAR, which is available to homeowners age 65 and older with incomes of $86,300 or less.

Okerlund is the assessor for the city of Jamestown; towns of Ellicott, Busti, Kiantone, Carroll, Harmony, Chautauqua, North Harmony, Gerry, Charlotte, and Cherry Creek; and village of Lakewood.