Grievance Day Is May 28

Property owners unhappy with their assessments can seek an adjustment on May 28.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance reminds property owners — homeowners and businesses — that the deadline to challenge their property assessment is the fourth Tuesday in May in most communities. That day, May 28 this year, is known as Grievance Day.

Each municipality has already assigned a value to each property. Those numbers, dubbed tentative assessment rolls, which list the assessed value of each property, are generally made public in the beginning of May. You can access the rolls on your town’s or city’s website, or by visiting your local assessor’s office.

“This is the time to verify that the market value determined for your property is fair and accurate,” said Executive Deputy Commissioner Andrew Morris. “If you wait until your tax bill arrives, it’s too late to challenge the value assigned to your property, or to ensure that you’re receiving all the exemptions you deserve.”

Homeowners who believe the market value listed on the assessment roll for their property is significantly higher than the price for which the property could be sold, they can contest the assessment.

Local assessment boards will review cases based on the information property owners provide. When a homeowner files for an assessment review, they are required to provide an estimate of the market value of their home. Those grieving their assessment can support their own estimates with documentation about the sale of comparable homes or properties in the community. A recent appraisal can be helpful, but isn’t necessary.

Visit the tax department’s “How to estimate the market value of your home” webpage for more information.

rmurphy@indyeastend.com