What do I need for an informal review of the assessment on my residential property?
INFORMAL REVIEW (Residential Properties)
The Assessor's Office will, upon request, provide an informal review of your assessment if you believe the equalized value exceeds the current market value of your property.
To determine your equalized market value, divide the total assessment of your property by the latest residential assessment ratio. If the result is higher than the current market value of your property, you may be over assessed.
Informal review requests (which may be made by the property owner, contract vendee or a real estate agent authorized by the owner) must be made in writing and include the following:
--Your opinion of the current market value of the property supported by an appraisal or analysis which includes a thorough description of all improvements and conclusive evidence of market value (generally, a Fannie Mae appraisal by a NYS licensed appraiser provides the best documentation).
--A list of all improvements made to the home within the last two years. Also, include improvements that you plan to make prior to next June 1.
--A contact name and daytime phone number to arrange an inspection if necessary
Please be advised that the deadline for filing an Informal Review request is the last business day in March for consideration on the June 1 Tentative Assessment Roll. If the assessment is reduced, you will receive a letter to that effect on or around June 1. Taxes based on this assessment start with the town/county tax bill issued in April of the following year.
If your assessment is not reduced, you will be advised. If you choose, you may file a grievance with the Board of Assessment Review by the third Tuesday in June.
Assessed Value divided by Residential Assessment Ratio=Assessor's Estimate Market Value
Note: It is not possible to offer this service between April 1st and August 1st in any given year as the appropriate time is not available to devote to each case.
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I'm confused by the assessment process. Who can help?
Please call the Assessors Office any time during businesss hours, Monday through Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm at 742-2345. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have or give you an overview of how the process works.
What type of exemptions are offered and who is eligible?
Virtually all owner-occupied primary residences are eligible for the Basic STAR exemption. Other exemptions are Enhanced STAR, Senior Citizens, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities. Please call 742-2345 for information on benefits, eligibility and application deadlines.
Can I find out in advance if the assessment will change, and if so, how much?
Yes, the Assessor, upon request, will provide a written assessment estimate.
-Please provide us with plans and/or drawings as detailed as possible.
-A statement of the intended work to be done.
-An estimate of market costs to complete the project. (full market value)
We will reply by letter with an estimate of the change, if any, to your assessment, which is good for one year from the date of the written response and subject to our inspection and verification of the work done upon completion of the same.
Please call the Assessors Office at 742-2345 for details.
Will my assessment increase if I improve my home?
It depends. Generally, any improvement that increases the market value of your home should increase your assessment. However, each project is reviewed individually and sometimes an increase isn't warranted.
I think my taxes are too high. Do I need to hire someone to represent me?
The Assessors Office will upon request, provide an informal review of your assessment. There is no need to hire an attorney or representative. The Assessor's office can only address the value of your property through its assessment, we have no control over tax rates.
What grievance forms need to be filled out and when are they due?
Please contact the assessor at 742-2345 for details.
When is grievance day?
Greivance Day is the third Tuesday of June.
Contact the Town Assessor at 742-2345 for the proper forms and filing deadlines.
Where do I get forms for STAR and Veterans Exemptions?
Forms and applications for STAR exemptions, senior citizen and veterans exemptions and general information and filing requirements for complaints on real property assessments may be obtained at Town Hall or from the New York State Board of Real Property Services at
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