The phrase "last year" and "the last year" do not have the same meaning.

Last year refers to the year whose number is one previous (2016->2015).

The last year refers to the twelve-month period stretching backwards from the current month.

So the last year touches upon (and includes) the present. That's why the present perfect is used there.

When did that song air?
--It aired last hour.

Have I missed much of the movie?
--Yes, it's been on for the last half-hour.

When did you visit her?
--I drove up to Boston to see her last week.

How long have you been coming to this coffee shop?
--I've been having coffee here daily for the last week.

The phrase "last year" and "the last year" do not have the same meaning.

Last year refers to the year whose number is one previous (2016->2015).

The last year refers to the twelve-month period stretching backwards from the current month.

So the last year touches upon (and includes) the present. That's why the present perfect is used there.

When did that song air?
--It aired last hour.

Have I missed much of the movie?
--Yes, it's been on for the last half-hour.

When did you visit her?
--I drove up to Boston to see her last week.

How long have you been coming to this coffee shop?
--I've been having coffee here daily for the last week.

When was the earthquake?
-- It was early last year.

What do these spikes on the chart show?
--They show that there have been several after-shocks in the last year.

The phrase "last year" and "the last year" do not have the same meaning.

Last year refers to the year whose number is one previous (2016->2015).

The last year refers to the twelve-month period stretching backwards from the current month.

So the last year touches upon (and includes) the present. That's why the present perfect is used there.

When did that song air?
--It aired last hour.

Did I miss a lot of the movie?
--Yes, it's been on for the last hour.

The phrase "last year" and "the last year" do not have the same meaning.

Last year refers to the year whose number is one previous (2016->2015).

The last year refers to the twelve-month period stretching backwards from the current month.

So the last year touches upon (and includes) the present. That's why the present perfect is used there.

When did that song air?
--It aired last hour.

Have I missed much of the movie?
--Yes, it's been on for the last half-hour.

When did you visit her?
--I drove up to Boston to see her last week.

How long have you been coming to this coffee shop?
--I've been having coffee here daily for the last week.