Looking to trim your Fairport school tax bill this year? You’re not alone. Many Monroe County homeowners hear about New York’s STAR program but are unsure how it actually shows up on the bill or what to do to qualify. In this guide, you’ll learn how the STAR credit and exemption work, the difference between Basic and Enhanced STAR, and the exact local steps to register or upgrade if you live in the Village of Fairport or the Town of Perinton. Let’s dive in.
What STAR is and how it lowers taxes
New York’s School Tax Relief program, better known as STAR, reduces the school property tax burden for owner-occupied primary residences. It applies statewide, but your actual savings depend on your home’s assessed value and your school district.
There are two ways STAR can reduce your bill:
- Exemption model: Your local assessor applies a STAR exemption to your assessed value. That smaller taxable value is then multiplied by the school tax rate, lowering the school portion of your bill.
- STAR credit model: The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance calculates a dollar credit for your school district. That credit either appears on your tax bill or is paid to you directly if you’ve chosen direct payment.
In Fairport and Perinton, you may see either approach depending on your property’s status and your enrollment choice. The outcome is the same for you: STAR reduces what you pay for school taxes.
Basic vs Enhanced STAR: key differences
There are two STAR benefit types. Understanding which one fits you helps you save the most.
Basic STAR
- For owner-occupants of a primary residence.
- No minimum age requirement.
- Provides a smaller benefit than Enhanced.
Enhanced STAR
- For senior homeowners who meet the age requirement.
- Has an income limit set by New York State.
- Provides a larger benefit than Basic.
What to remember:
- Age: Only Enhanced requires meeting the minimum age threshold.
- Income: Only Enhanced has an income cap and is verified by the state.
- Benefit size: Enhanced is larger than Basic.
- Verification: Enhanced applicants are usually enrolled in the Income Verification Program so the state can confirm eligibility each year.
Who qualifies in Fairport and Perinton
If you live in the Village of Fairport or elsewhere in the Town of Perinton and own and occupy your home as your primary residence, you may be eligible for STAR.
- Basic STAR suits most owner-occupants who use the home as their primary residence.
- Enhanced STAR is intended for eligible seniors who meet both age and income criteria. The state sets the income rules and updates them periodically.
- Investment properties and second homes do not qualify. STAR is for owner-occupied primary residences.
If you are unsure which benefit you have now, you can contact your local assessor or use the state’s STAR tools to check enrollment.
How to register or upgrade in Fairport/Perinton
Follow these steps to get your STAR benefit set up correctly or to upgrade from Basic to Enhanced when you qualify.
1) Confirm your municipality
- Determine whether your property is located within the Village of Fairport or in the Town of Perinton outside the village boundary. This determines which local office manages your assessment record and exemption filings.
- If you’re in the town, the Town of Perinton Assessor’s Office is your local contact. If you’re in the Village of Fairport, confirm whether the village or town assessor handles your assessment and STAR records.
2) Check your current STAR status
- Call your assessor and ask whether you have Basic STAR, Enhanced STAR, or no STAR recorded on your property.
- You can also use New York State’s STAR resources to check enrollment and eligibility if you prefer to start online.
3) Apply or upgrade
4) Understand timing
- Filing deadlines matter. If you submit after the cutoff, your benefit may not appear until the next school tax cycle. Ask your assessor which deadline applies to Fairport/Perinton this year.
- If you recently bought your home, ask whether your application will affect the upcoming bill or take effect the following year.
Documents you may need
- Proof of ownership, such as a recorded deed.
- Proof of primary residence, such as a New York driver’s license or utility bill.
- For Enhanced STAR, proof of age.
- For Enhanced STAR, recent federal tax information for income verification as directed by the state.
How much you could save
Your savings depend on the delivery model for your property and your school district’s tax rate.
If you receive a STAR exemption: Savings are approximately the STAR exempted assessed value multiplied by the Fairport Central School District tax rate.
- Simple formula: Estimated savings = X × (Y/1,000)
- X is the STAR-exempted assessed value on your property record. Y is the school tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value.
If you receive a STAR credit: The state sets a dollar credit amount by school district. That amount is your annual reduction, either shown as a line on your bill or paid to you directly.
Because assessed values, equalization rates, and tax rates can change, treat any estimate as a guide. Your assessor and the state’s STAR resources can help you confirm the current numbers for Fairport.
Deadlines, renewals, and verification
- Annual reapplication for Basic STAR is not typically required once you are enrolled. The state or assessor may request updates if needed.
- Enhanced STAR uses the state’s income verification process. Make sure you are enrolled in the Income Verification Program if required, and respond promptly to any notices from New York State.
- Deadlines and processes can change. Always confirm the current filing cutoffs with the Town of Perinton Assessor or the Village of Fairport office, and verify any state instructions posted for the year.
Common Fairport homeowner scenarios
Buying a home in Fairport or Perinton
- Check whether the previous owner had STAR. It may not automatically carry over to you.
- After closing, register for the STAR credit or file the exemption promptly so you do not miss the next cycle.
Turning 65 and moving to Enhanced STAR
- Confirm that you meet the age and income rules.
- Notify your assessor to upgrade and enroll in the income verification process if you are not already in it.
Switching from exemption to credit
- You can explore opting into the STAR credit if you prefer a state-calculated credit and possible direct payment. Contact New York State to learn the steps and timing.
Disagreements or denials
- If your STAR exemption is denied by the assessor, ask about appeal and correction options. For county-level assessment or tax roll questions, contact Monroe County Real Property Tax Services. For income verification or credit issues, contact New York State directly.
Troubleshooting and quick tips
- STAR disappeared after a sale or refinance: Contact your assessor right away to confirm your enrollment and filing status.
- Received a notice from New York State: Respond by the stated date. If you do not respond, your credit can be delayed or canceled.
- Unsure which office to call: Start with the Town of Perinton Assessor unless you know the Village of Fairport manages your record. They will direct you if another office handles your parcel.
Who to contact locally
- Town of Perinton Assessor’s Office: Questions on exemptions, forms, and filing deadlines for most Perinton properties.
- Village of Fairport office or assessor: Confirm which office manages your assessment if you live in the village.
- Monroe County Real Property Tax Services: County-level assessment and tax roll questions.
- Fairport Central School District: School tax billing schedule and how STAR appears on the bill.
- New York State Department of Taxation and Finance: STAR credit registration, eligibility checks, and the Income Verification Program.
Your next three steps
- Confirm your current STAR enrollment with your assessor or New York State.
- If you are a new owner or newly eligible for Enhanced STAR, gather your documents and start your application or upgrade.
- Watch for any state notices about income verification and respond quickly so your benefit is not interrupted.
If you’re planning a move in or around Fairport and want to understand how STAR impacts your budget, I’m happy to help you map out the numbers and timing alongside your home search or sale. Schedule a free consultation with Unknown Company to get personalized guidance.
FAQs
Do I need to reapply for Basic STAR each year in Fairport?
- Typically no. Once enrolled, Basic STAR usually continues unless the state or assessor requests updates. Always confirm your current status with your assessor or New York State.
What is the income rule for Enhanced STAR for Fairport seniors?
- Enhanced STAR has a state-set income limit and uses a verification process. Because rules can change, confirm the current income measure and documentation with New York State before applying.
Can I get STAR on a rental or second home in Perinton?
- No. STAR is for owner-occupied primary residences only. Investment properties and second homes are not eligible.
How does STAR show up on my Fairport school tax bill?
- If you use the exemption model, your assessed value is reduced before the school tax is calculated. If you use the credit model, you receive a state-calculated dollar credit that appears on the bill or is paid to you directly.
I just bought a home in the Village of Fairport. Does the seller’s STAR transfer to me?
- Not automatically. New owners must register or apply to receive the benefit. File promptly after closing so it can apply to the next eligible tax cycle.
Will STAR still help if my assessment goes up in Perinton?
- Yes. STAR either reduces your taxable value or provides a fixed credit, so it still lowers your school tax burden. The exact dollar effect can vary as assessments and tax rates change.
Who should I call if my STAR benefit disappears from my bill?
- Start with your local assessor for your property location. You can also check with Monroe County Real Property Tax Services and contact New York State for credit or income verification issues.
