Homeowners and tax payers in Westchester County have an opportunity to challenge their tax assessment once a year. In Westchester County the filing period typically occurs in the first 3 weeks of June, however there are several municipalities, such as White Plains, Yonkers, and New Rochelle which have separate filing periods. A list of all filing dates can be located through the Office of Real Property Services, ORPS or by simply calling your local assessor’s office.
Also, keep in mind that, it is typical to file separately for properties that are also subject to village taxes. The filing period for these properties is typically during the first 3 weeks of February. Don’t take it for granted that a reduction in your Town tax assessment is going to carry over to your Village taxes, you will almost certainly be disappointed. The bottom line is that it is best to check the filing period with your assessor just to be sure.
The penalty for missing the deadline is steep indeed, and can result in being penalized several thousand dollars. The reality is once you miss the deadline you are out of luck and your penalty is to be overtaxed for yet another year. No amount of complaining or excuse making will get you anywhere. Miss the deadline and you will pay the penalty.
Unfortunately, once you miss the deadline the assessment is set and is used to determine the following year’s taxes and the homeowner does not have another opportunity to challenge for a full year. Think about it, can you really afford to throw away potentially thousands of dollars year after year. Stop what you are doing for a moment and think of all the possibilities of what you could do with that money, even if it is just a nice vacation for you and your family. You owe it to yourself to determine if your assessment is fair.
More and more homeowners are becoming aware that they can review their assessments or have them reviewed and challenge and reduce them. I am dedicated to educating homeowners about their property taxes. If there is anyway that I can be of assistance please contact me. You may also find the blogs and video’s I have posted on my site helpful.