Tag Archive for property taxes

White Plains Tax Grievance Deadline Approaches

The filing period for Property Tax Grievance in White Plains is fast approaching and runs from January 1st through the third Tuesday of the month.  Don’t Miss It! I have been representing homeowners and helping them reduce their property tax burden for the past 8 years during which time I have handled well over 500 cases and reviewed thousands of assessments.

Having seen so many people save considerable sums of money, ranging from $1,000 to as high as $16,000 it is hard for me to understand why more homeowners don’t review their assessment on an annual basis.

If you are a homeowner who has not reviewed their assessment or filed a property tax grievance, please take a moment and share with me why you have not.  I have a suspicion that there are some misunderstandings regarding property tax grievance and I would like to better understand them so that I can address them and help homeowners keep more of their money.

Also, if you are interested in having your assessment reviewed or filing a Tax Grievance please contact me at 914-523-0116.

Property Taxes – Don’t Give Up!

Many homeowners file tax grievances and fail to achieve their desired result, a reduction in their tax assessment.  Unfortunately, often times this initial rejection can result in the homeowner not pursuing their grievance any further.  This may be the result of many different factors. For example, many homeowner’s do not have the time, or the grievance may get lost in the shuffle of an already hectic schedule, perhaps they do not understand the process.

Whatever the reason, homeowners must understand that in many cases the initial filing may merely represent an admission ticket into the grievance process.  At the initial stage the Board of Assessment Review is not compelled to grant any reductions and are accountable only to the appeal process, known as SCAR or Small Claims Assessment Review.

There are many reasons why a homeowner may not get an initial decision.  Among these reasons may be:

  • poor documentation of market value,
  • limited resources of the Board of Assessment Review in the face of increasing numbers of tax challenges, and
  • being unaware of the tax grievance process.

Keep in mind that the board of assessment review is made up of ordinary tax payers, some with extensive real estate experience, some with little or no experience, and they are reviewing hundreds or thousands of cases in a short period of time.

It is for these reasons that the initial tax grievance filing should be viewed only as an entry into the process.  It is important that homeowners carefully review the boards decisions and follow up with a SCAR appeal if appropriate.  If you have any questions or comments regarding the process, contact me today.

You can also leave a comment here, but whatever you do Don’t Give Up!