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Here are some of the complaints we get from property owners who say that the property tax system is not fair.

No budget control. They will always find a way to raise revenue to support budget increases.

People nearing retirement are looking to move out of NYS. They can’t afford to stay.

Assessors don’t respond to emails and questions from taxpayers, often refuse to communicate, and cannot produce information requested.

When taxpayers can’t reach an assessor, or disagree with the assessor, there is no one else to go to, they reach a dead end.

Many assessors are unqualified but remain in their jobs. Accountable to no one.

People fear retribution and are afraid to challenge their assessment.

Assessors can’t back up why assessment went up. And when asked why, no immediate
comparables are produced to homeowners to back up the increases. That should not be produced retroactively. 

To produce new assessments, assessors are not looking at properties on reassessments. Just sending surprise letters in the mail.

Homeowners are penalized for improving and maintaining property.

People are given little time to see what their new assessment is, determine if it’s fair, and prepare their case.

Towns are contradicting what is on their web sites, saying they were so busy w/ the reassessment meetings that they said they needed time to prepare for grievance day.

The timing of school budget votes is in May, concurrent with the grievance process, makes it very difficult for homeowners to do it all. Are towns are trying to get more revenue here since it’s more under the radar?

New construction and condo loophole shifts the burden of taxes to others.

Assessors not helpful