Property Taxes Grievances (assessor, how much, lawyer)

[aali112]

Hi,

I have been looking at property tax info. for my father's house, located in Queens, NY. I have noticed that according to the data provided by the finance department, his property taxes for the past 10yrs has been 30 - 35% higher than many of our neighbors who are in the same tax class and property dimensions. All of the houses are the same built on the block. I am applying for Tax Grievance for his house, I am not too sure what evidence should I need to fight the case. I am going to argue the case for inequality for taxes.

I did indeed go to the local assessors office, Here is what he told me to do:

1- He said to come to court to fight the case that's the only way I will have a chance to win, since there is an option to opt out of not going to court.

2- He said I do not need a third party to fight my case, which was recommended by many people.

3- To use the data from the finance dept. of the houses on the block that have been assessed a lower value for taxes.

I know that the property taxes are based on the property value, and that department of finance might use outdated information to assess all there information.

If anyone has been through this process before, could you please advise me on how to win this case.

Thanks.

[Kefir King]

I have not done it personally but I feel pretty sure that the best ammunition is PLENTY of comparables near you with pictures and tax records.

I am pretty sure that if things are as you say, you will have no trouble getting a reduction.

Of course a LAWYER is a good option, but a very PRICEY one. You can probably win it alone.
(I have heard of lawyers on contingency in these cases where the lawyer takes as his fee one or two years' savings. Depends on how much you are talking about saving though.)

You have nothing to lose by fighting the assessment. Good Luck.

[aali112]

Kefir,


Thank you for your reply. I went to the assessors office to ask about the inequality of assessment among similar properties. The assessor said that the argument of inequality will not win my case. The other thing they will look at is the property income to expense, since its a 3 family house. Nonetheless, I am still filing all the paperwork with the evidence of inequality with property records and pics, since I spent so much time researching all this info. At this point I longer feel optimistic about my case.

If anyone else has gone through this process, your advice will be very much appreciated.


Thanks

[Kefir King]

Ahh,

I had assumed you were talking about a private house. Yes, an income generating property is another issue, and a probably far more complicated one.