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News - February 15, 2022
Dear Friend

In this new year, we hope you are staying well.

Now is the time to review and assess your property tax situation and prepare to take action if you feel your assessment is not accurate.

Please review the info in this newsletter for what's new and key dates to be sure you are not missing any deadlines. We have a wide range of resources on our website for guidance. You can also email us with any questions.
Key Dates
Apply by March 1st for Exemptions
Mar 1

Your Assessment Can Be Reduced if You Qualify for Exemptions

There are more than 500 exemptions for homeowners, villages, and towns. Ask your assessor if you qualify for others. You must apply for and file with your Assessor’s Office on or before March 1 to affect the applicable year’s taxes.

New! As of January 1, volunteer firefighters/volunteer ambulance workers in Monroe County who have served for at least two years, are eligible to apply for a 10% real property tax exemption. See the list of all counties eligible for exemptions and get application forms. The form is RP-466. March 1st is the deadline to apply.
Governor Hochul Announces New Property Tax Rebate Program for Low and Middle Income New Yorkers
From the Governor's Office: With New Yorkers facing the costs of inflation in the supermarket and at the pump, all while still enduring the economic impacts of COVID-19, Governor Hochul will provide much-needed relief through a property tax rebate program that will return tax dollars to middle- and low-income households. More than 2 million New Yorkers will be eligible for the rebate, with low-income households and seniors receiving higher benefits. Under the Governor’s plan, eligible homeowners will receive their benefit in the Fall of 2022, to the tune of $1 billion. Read more
Residents of Manufactured Homes, Note Law Change for STAR
The Department of Taxation and Finance says that in 2022 most manufactured home owners will no longer be eligible for the STAR exemption. Property will instead be eligible for the STAR credit as long as the manufactured home is included in the landowner’s assessment including manufactured homes in parks, and manufactured homes on land that is owned by someone else. Exception: Manufactured homes that are receiving an exemption other than STAR, such as veterans or senior citizens exemptions, should be separately assessed from the landowner and can continue to receive a STAR exemption. Park owners will no longer be obliged to credit rents to reflect STAR savings or be entitled to retain a 2% fee for doing so. Letters have been sent to homeowners. Homeowners with questions may contact a STAR representative at 518-457-2036. Read more and see Q&A
Appraisal Methodology for Solar and Wind Energy Projects
If you have solar or wind energy systems on your property, the new NY State Budget established a process for a standard appraisal methodology for systems with a nameplate capacity equal to or greater than one megawatt. Read more here
You May Receive a Greater Benefit Switching to the STAR Credit
Taxpayers receive STAR benefits in one of two ways, a STAR credit check or a STAR exemption, which is a reduction on your school tax bill. If you currently receive the STAR exemption you may receive a greater benefit if you switch to the STAR credit to receive a check instead. The value of the STAR credit savings may increase by as much as 2% each year, but the value of the STAR exemption savings cannot increase. Read more about switching
New Homeowners! Register for STAR Credit
Be sure you register for STAR credit if your new home is your primary residence. Register any time at tax.ny.gov/star or call 518-457-2036 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. See flyer for details
New! Second Case Study on Grieving By Excessive Assessment
This Case Study provided by Warren Leisenring Jr. relates his experience representing a property owner to grieve their assessment of $917,700 – which increased $342,700. We hope this gives property owners some insight as to what to expect and how to prepare their grievances. It includes actual information presented in the grievance from the Informal Meeting with the assessor, the meeting before the Board of Assessment Review, and the Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR). No personal information is included. Read the Case Study
Grounds for Complaint – What Avenue to Take to Grieve Your Assessment?
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When property owners disagree with their property assessments, Real Property Tax Services and New York State Department of Taxation & Finance provide avenues for them to grieve that assessment.
Don't assume that an assessor, a Board of Assessment Review or a Hearing Officer would automatically know all of the laws and criteria needed to prove or disprove a grievance Do the research yourself and be prepared. Read more
Point of View - The Fears of Grieving Your Property Tax Assessment
Warren Leisenring, Jr., a consultant for Tax My Property Fairly, shares some insight into his experiences and thoughts on what has happened in the relationship between assessors and property owners and why property owners should not have fears when it comes to grieving their property assessments. Read more
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Updated Resources
Relief for Homeowners Affected by Covid
No applications accepted after February 18th!
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The New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund (NYS HAF) is a federally funded program dedicated to assisting homeowners who are at risk of default, foreclosure, or displacement as a result of a financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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