obtain fair property assessments, property taxes and School taxes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a deadline for grieving your Assessment?
A: YES! Typically, the last date to file a grievance with the town is on the fourth Tuesday of May. Naturally, if you wait to start the process, you have to begin early, otherwise, you will likely miss out on this years opportunity to obtain a reduction in your Assessment. Don't put it off! Contact us today to begin!
NOTE: The actual grievance day may vary by town.
Q: Should I grieve my Assessment?
A: That depends. Most property owners look at the Market Value set by the town assessor and instinctively know if they could reasonably sell their house for that price. If that is you, you should absolutely investigate to see if a reduction in your Assessed Value is warranted and begin the process of grieving your assessment.
Q: How often can I grieve my Assessment?
A: Each Year! With one exception, upon obtaining a Small Claim Assessment Review (SCAR), you may not grieve your Assessment the following year.
Q: Will grieving my assessment impact my STAR, Enhanced STAR or Veteran Exemptions?
A: NO! The STAR, Enhanced STAR and Veteran’s Exemption program is unrelated to the property assessment.
Q: Can the town assessor reassess my property as a result of grieving my Assessment?
A: NO! It is ILLEGAL for the Assessor to selectively reassess individual properties. Only through a town wide reassessment of all properties, property class or if your property opened a building permit can your assessment be revised outside of a grievance process.
Q: Will grieving and reducing my home’s assessment help with selling my home?
A: YES! Reducing your assessment has a direct reduction in the taxes paid for your home. As a result, your homes cost of ownership is reduced as well, making your home more marketable.
Q: Will the town lose money as a result of lowering my assessment?
A: NO! 100% of the town’s budget is paid for. The reduction in your assessment means that the remainder of the assessed properties will make up the difference. This means when you DON’T seek a reduction, when warranted, not only do you continue to pay more than your fair share but you will also pay more as others that have obtained a reduction!
Q: Will I have to present my case?
A: NO! We provide a "Turnkey" process. Property Tax Relief will develop the argument for a reduction in your assessment, submit to the town Board of Assessment Review and, if needed, submit a petition to Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR). It is, however, highly recommended that you attend the BAR and SCAR hearings but you will not need to participate.
Q: I want to represent myself, can you provide me with an argument to present myself?
A: YES! We can complete analytics and develop a package for you to present to the town.
Q: What is the difference between the Market Value and the Assessed Value of my property?
A: The Market Value is the estimated value of your property if it were to sell under normal conditions. The Assessed Value is a fractional value of the Market Value based upon the Equalization Rate that is established for the town that the parcel is located.
Q: How does my Assessed Value of my property impact my school, county and property taxes?
A: The Assessed Value of the property is used to calculate the amount owed for each of the applicable taxes by multiplying the Assessed Value to the line item tax levy. This is all detailed in your tax bill. Generally, when your Assessed Value is lowered, your resulting tax liabilities are reduced. NOTE: Since the tax levies are independent, if they go up dramatically, so will your tax liabilities. However, in all cases, with a lower Assessed Value your liabilities will be reduced if you had not obtained a reduction at all.