Assessment blues, Round One

For my fellow New Yorkers, here is your reminder to make sure your exemption applications are in by March 1st. I have a client whose forestry exemption form was returned to sender; the responsibility falls on the landowner, no excuses!

Also, if you think your assessment is wrong, now is the time to address it. Assessors can make mistakes – hold your mail, some of my best friends have been assessors – but it is easiest to address before March 1st. After that, it’s the Board of Assessment Review for you: it’s easier to convince one person you’re right rather than three of five.

If you do have a legitimate complaint, like the house burned down, the barn collapsed, ten acres are wetlands, or the land value is artificially low while all the value was shifted to the buildings, do your homework! Support your position with photos, maps, and research. Give a good reason beyond “my taxes are too high.” Going to the assessor first is always my advice, and the majority are dedicated professionals that don't have a vested interest in your outcome, beyond fairness to the tax roll. Besides, this is one extra shot at correcting a problem in the easiest (and cheapest) way for you and them.