In the 2020 NYS Budget, it was enacted that BASIC STAR BENEFITS WILL BE DENIED to property owners who are delinquent on their County, Town, Village, City or School property taxes for more than one year. 

All delinquent taxpayers who are behind on their taxes and all delinquent installment contract holders who are behind on their payment schedules must bring their accounts current by JUNE 22, 2020 to keep their STAR in 2021. 

Delinquent taxes and delinquent installment contract payments should be paid to the Oswego County Treasurer’s Office.  Payments are not accepted on Foreclosed properties.

If you pay your taxes late but pay your taxes in full (being current), you may become eligible to get BASIC STAR in the future year.  Once a taxpayer loses the reduction from the school tax bill (STAR EXEMPTION), the taxpayer can only receive a STAR check with future eligibility if prior taxes have been paid in full.  (This means that the Town & County Tax Bills – issued in January, as well as applicable City Taxes which are issued in April – must be kept current at all times to keep Basic STAR.  Unpaid Village and School Property Taxes, as well as other Relevies are accounted for the on the January Tax Bill.)

 All inquiries regarding STAR and ENHANCED STAR should be directed to the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance.  Their phone number is 518-457-2036 and their normal office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.  More information may be obtained at:  https://www.tax.ny.gov/star/