NYS Tax Department reminds property owners to check assessments ahead of May 26 Grievance Day

With one week until deadline, make sure you're paying local property taxes based on an accurate assessment

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded all property owners - including homeowners and businesses - to check their assessments for accuracy. The deadline to contest your property assessment, also known as "Grievance Day," is May 26 in most communities.

"Once you get your tax bill, it's too late to reduce your property's assessment or restore exemptions you might have lost," Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Kenneth Adams said. "Take advantage of this window of opportunity to make sure your assessment is fair and accurate."

Local assessment rolls include the property's estimated market value. This information is required to be published on local websites. Property owners who believe the market value on the assessment roll is significantly higher than the price for which the property could be sold have until Grievance Day to file for review of the assessment.

For the RP-524 grievance form and step-by-step instructions, visit the Tax Department's "Contest Your Assessment" webpage. The local Board of Assessment Review will review your case and respond based on the information provided.

When filing for assessment review, property owners are required to provide a market value estimate of their property. To support that estimate, it is helpful to include documentation about the sale of comparable homes in your community. If you have a recent appraisal of your property, that can also be helpful, but is not necessary.

Property Tax Exemptions on the Assessment Roll

Assessment rolls also include the property tax exemptions each property receives. If a homeowner applied for an exemption and it does not appear on the assessment roll, he or she can use the grievance process to appeal to the local Board of Assessment Review.

Appealing the Board of Assessment Review Ruling

Homeowners who do not receive the requested relief through the grievance process have a low-cost option to appeal. Small claims assessment review costs $30, and the case is handled by a court-appointed hearing officer.

For more information:

• Find assessments on yourcity or town website
• Learn how to understand your property's assessment
• Watch videos about assessments and the grievance process