I purchased a house last year and the town assessor, assessed it for $50,000 more than I purchased the house for, which obviously ticked me off.   Even though prices in Ulster County are not in a freefall as in much of the rest of the country, we are not gaining the estimated 8% in a matter of months that the town is claiming.  If you're tired of the escalating property taxes and assessments, as my clients and I are, you do have an option:  Grievance Day.

 In most Ulster County municipalities, Grievance Day is May 27.  On this day property owners are allowed to take their case before the Board of Assessment Review.  You can file the review on that day, but it's advised to do it earlier to make sure you have completed all the necessary forms and have built a case for your grievance.

To build a case for your property tax grievance you want to have comparables.  You want to make sure the comparables you are using are similar in style, age, lot size and are within your municipality.  Don't overload the assessor with comparables make sure you get 3-5 of the best.  There are others grieving so you don't want to overload them with paperwork, you want to make your point clear and concise.  If you are denied a reduction you can always appeal through small claims court of the State Supreme Court.  Whether you are able to reduce your taxes or not, you've participated in the process to make property taxes distributed fairly in that town.

Here are some dates and websites that might be helpful!

May 21 - You can file your grievance with supporting documentation

May 27 - Grievance Day (some towns might differ so check with your assessor first)

July 1 - The final assessment roll is filed.  You will have been informed of the decision and have 30 days to file for a small claims assessment review.

www.ahahome.com/propertytax/

www.orps.state.ny.us/pamphlet/complain/howtofile/index.htm

Fight for your right to pay only your FAIR share of taxes!!

Cree