Assessor's Office FAQ

1. I think my assessment may be too high. How do I seek an Informal Review?

2. I’m considering an improvement to my home. How can I find out how it might affect my taxes?

3. How can I find information regarding Senior Citizen’s, Veteran’s, STAR, and Disability Exemptions?

1. I think my assessment may be too high. How do I seek and Informal Review?

The Assessor’s Office will, upon request, provide an informal review of your assessment if you believe the equalized value exceeds the current market value of your property.

To determine your equalized value, divide the total assessment of your property by the latest residential assessment ratio. If the result is higher than the current market value of your property, you may be over assessed.

Informal Review requests (which may be made by the property owner, contract vendee or a real estate agent authorized by the owner) must be made in writing and include the following:

• Your opinion of the current market value of the property supported by an appraisal or analysis which includes a thorough description of all improvements and conclusive evidence of market value (generally, a Fannie Mae appraisal by a NYS licensed appraiser provides the best documentation).
• A list of all improvements made to the home within the last two years. Also include improvements that you plan to make prior to next June 1.
• A contact name and daytime phone number to arrange an inspection if necessary.

Please be advised that the deadline for filing an Informal Review request is the last business day in March for consideration on the June 1 Tentative Assessment Roll. If the assessment is reduced, you will receive a letter to that effect on or around June 1. Taxes based on this assessment start with the Town/County tax bill issued in April of the following year. If your assessment is not reduced, this office will notify you. Whether or not your assessment is reduced, you have the option of filing a grievance with the Board of Assessment Review by the third Tuesday in June.
top

2. I’m considering an improvement to my home. How can I find out how it might affect my taxes?

The Assessor’s Office will, upon request, provide written assessment estimates for proposed additions and/or renovations. All estimate requests must be made in writing and include the following:

• Drawings for the improvements with clear delineation as to what exists vs. what is new (architect’s drawings are preferred but hand drawn sketches are acceptable). These drawings will not be returned.
• A square footage breakdown of new and/or renovated areas.
• A thorough, narrative description of all improvements. Be sure to include renovations that may be made in conjunction with an addition.
• Cost estimates, including all labor and material. This estimate must be “market cost”, even if you are doing some or all of the work yourself.

We will make every effort to make the estimate as accurate as possible; however, it may be subject to change upon inspection. Please keep in mind that your request should be as comprehensive as possible to ensure the accuracy of the estimate. Estimates will usually be mailed within a week of receipt of request.
top

3. How can I find information regarding Senior Citizen’s, Veteran’s, STAR, and Disability Exemptions?

To obtain specific information and frequently asked questions about these exemptions, please click on the link (s) below:

Senior Citizen – http://www.orps.state.ny.us/pamphlet/exempt/senior.htm

Veteran – http://www.orps.state.ny.us/pamphlet/exempt/vets.htm

STAR – http://www.orps.state.ny.us/star/faq.htm

Disability – http://www.orps.state.ny.us/pamphlet/exempt/disable.htm

The deadline for all applications to be received by the Assessor’s Office is June 1. As proof of residency is specific to Eastchester, please e-mail the address above or call the number above for applications.
top

Created by superuser. Last modified 2006-10-11 11:12:18.