Are Your Property Taxes Too High? – AG Matters

They say you can't fight city hall, but you can fight your property tax bill if you think it's too high. Remi Link with Cornell Cooperative Extension has some tips on how to question your assessment.

Remi says the first thing to do is meet with your local assessor and have an informal review of your information.  While it's best to do this before March 1st when most properties are assessed, you can do it anytime.  Dates vary by township; you can find all important dates at this NY State website.

Before pursuing a formal review, check your assessment against other comparable properties in your area. Next, you will need to develop an estimate of your property. Publication 1115 by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will explain how to estimate the market value of your home. If you still feel that your assessment is too high, then you may grieve your assessment in front of your municipality’s board of assessment review , they usually meet on the fourth Tuesday in May, but check with your assessor as it may be different in your community.

You will need to fill out a RP-524 form and bring it along with your evidence to properly grieve your assessment. You will have the opportunity to explain your case in front of the BAR. The assessor will also attend the meeting and provide additional information to the BAR as needed. The BAR will deliberate privately, without the presence of the assessor, to make a determination and a notice will be sent to you by mail. If you don’t’ receive the adjustment for your assessment, you have the option to file a judicial review or small clams assessment review (SCAR). There is a small filing fee and you don’t need to hire a lawyer.

Get more information on property assessment and filing a grievance at the NY State Department of Taxation and Finance website.
SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension - Remi Link