Tax Grievance FAQ
01
Will filling a tax grievance have any impact on my other property tax exemptions?
No, filing a tax grievance won't impact your other exemptions. Any existing exemptions, like STAR or senior, or veteran exemptions, remain in the place and are unaffected by the grievance process.
03
How is my property tax calculated?
Every year, the county sets an assessed value based on the estimated market value of your property. This assessed value is multiplied by your local tax rate, resulting your property tax bill.
02
If I've already signed a contract for tax grievance, then I sell my home, what steps do I need to take?
Before selling your home, be sure to notify us and ensure the buyer signs an assignment to take over the grievance. If the assignment isn't successfuly transferred, you remain responsible for the fee.
04
How is the fee calculated?
We charge a percentage of the savings for that year. since tax rates changes annually, we compare what you would have paid before the reduction to what you own after, and our fee applies to that difference.
05
Can the tax rate also be challenged?
No, we can't dispute the school or general tax rates. Our grievance only addresses the assessment. Tax rates are set based on the budgets of local entities like the county, town, village, and school district, If you want to influence a tax rate, it requires political action: voting or organizing others to support or oppose local budget measures.
07
Do I have to reapply for tax exemption every year?
Not always. Unlike a tax grievance. Many property tax exemptions will auto-renew if you allow access to your tax returns, but some do require periodic checks to verify your eligibility.
06
If I get my tax grievance successfully grieved this year, do I still need to do it next year?
Yes. Even if you were successfully this year, the assessment changes annually, you need to file a grievance every year if you want to keep the chance to challenge it. Skipping a year means you'd miss your opportunity to contest that year's assessment.
08
How does a tax grievance help when selling my house?
If your property taxes are successfully reduced, it lowers the future tax burden. This makes the property more attractive to buyers, potentially increasing its market appeal and helping it sell faster or at a better price.