New York Property Tax Appeal:
How to Fight Your Over-Assessment
In New York, 49% of appeals succeed with an average savings of $2,400/year. Yet fewer than 5% of homeowners ever file. Here’s how to do it — and how Tax Ghost generates your formal appeal letter for $24.99.
New York Property Tax Appeal — Key Facts
How to Appeal in New York
Check your assessment notice
Your county assessor mails assessment notices — usually in spring. The notice shows your assessed value and the appeal deadline. In most states you have 30–90 days from the notice date.
Gather comparable sales
Find 3–5 similar properties in your neighborhood that sold recently at prices below your assessed value. Use Zillow, Redfin, or your county recorder's public records. The more recent and similar the sales, the stronger your case.
File your formal appeal
In New York, you file with the Board of Assessment Review (non-NYC); NYC Tax Commission. File grievance with your local Board of Assessment Review (BAR) by Grievance Day (4th Tuesday in May in most NY localities). NYC uses the Tax Commission; file between January 15–March 1. File before March 1 (NYC varies by class); varies by jurisdiction.
Present your evidence at the hearing
Show up with your comparables. Be calm and factual. You don't need a lawyer. Appeals boards are accustomed to homeowners representing themselves. Simply demonstrating that comparable properties sold for less than your assessment is often enough to win a reduction.
Expert tip for New York
New York's SCAR (Small Claims Assessment Review) is a fast, low-cost proceeding. File Form RP-524 with your municipality by Grievance Day.
Get your New York appeal letter — $24.99
Formal appeal letter citing N.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law § 524, addressed to the Board of Assessment Review (non-NYC); NYC Tax Commission. Evidence checklist and filing instructions included. PDF delivered in 60 seconds.
Free scan → pay only if you want the letter
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I appeal my property tax assessment in New York?
In New York, you file an appeal with the Board of Assessment Review (non-NYC); NYC Tax Commission. The deadline is March 1 (NYC varies by class); varies by jurisdiction. You can file yourself — no attorney required. File grievance with your local Board of Assessment Review (BAR) by Grievance Day (4th Tuesday in May in most NY localities). NYC uses the Tax Commission; file between January 15–March 1.
What is the property tax appeal success rate in New York?
Approximately 49% of property tax appeals in New York result in a reduced assessment. The average annual tax savings for successful appeals is around $2,400.
What evidence do I need to win a property tax appeal in New York?
The strongest evidence is 3–5 recent comparable sales in your neighborhood with sale prices below your assessed value. An independent appraisal is also very effective. You can find comparables on Zillow, Redfin, or your county recorder's public records.
What law governs property tax assessments in New York?
Property tax assessments in New York are governed by N.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law § 524. Under this law, property must be assessed at fair market value — defined as what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an arm's-length transaction.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal my property taxes in New York?
No. The vast majority of successful New York property tax appeals are filed by homeowners without attorneys. You simply need to file your appeal before the deadline and present evidence (comparable sales) showing your property's market value is lower than the assessed value.