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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Broome County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Broome County, NY. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location due to different taxing districts - county base rate reduced 24% since 2018
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Broome County, New York operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, and municipal services. Property taxes are collected by BC Real Property Tax Service and support various taxing jurisdictions including the county, school districts, towns, and cities within Broome County. The county has demonstrated fiscal responsibility by reducing property tax rates by 24% since 2018, with an additional 0.3% reduction implemented for 2025, even as inflation has increased over 25% during the same period.

Property tax rates in Broome County vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Homeowners may be subject to county taxes, school district taxes, town or city taxes, and various special district assessments depending on their property's location. The effective tax rate typically ranges around New York's statewide average of approximately 1.4%, though individual properties may experience higher or lower rates based on their specific taxing jurisdictions and available tax credits.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County TaxReduced by 0.3% for 2025Funds county services, infrastructure, and operations
School District TaxVaries by districtFunds local school operations and programs
Town/City TaxVaries by municipalityFunds municipal services and local government
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire districts, water districts, sewer districts, lighting districts

Note: Specific levy year 2025 rates vary by individual taxing jurisdiction within Broome County. The county portion was reduced by 0.3% for 2025. Total effective rates depend on the combination of all applicable taxing districts for each property location. Contact BC Real Property Tax Service for precise rates applicable to your specific address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Broome County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Broome County are additional assessments that may be levied when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. These typically occur due to new construction, major improvements, or changes in property ownership that trigger reassessment. When improvements are completed or ownership transfers occur after the March 1 "Taxable Status Date," a supplemental assessment may be issued to account for the increased property value.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if a property's assessed value increases by $50,000 due to completed renovations in July, and the effective tax rate is 2.5%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,250 multiplied by the fraction of the tax year remaining (typically 8/12 months), resulting in a supplemental bill of about $833.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • STAR Credit Applied: -$30,000 (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $270,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.2%
  • Annual Tax: $5,940
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $495

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Enhanced STAR Credit Applied: -$67,500 (seniors, application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $532,500
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.4%
  • Annual Tax: $12,780
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,065

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Basic STAR Credit Applied: -$30,000 (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $970,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.6%
  • Annual Tax: $25,220
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $2,102

Note: Tax credits require application and are not automatically applied. Rates vary by specific location within Broome County based on applicable taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Broome County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment and are responsible for making property tax payments to BC Real Property Tax Service on your behalf. The payment period runs from January through March, with March 1 serving as the final deadline for payment.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has current tax information and is making timely payments. You can monitor your account by contacting BC Real Property Tax Service or checking online payment records. If you pay taxes independently without escrow, mail payments to BC Real Property Tax Service, PO Box 2087, Binghamton, NY 13902. It's important to ensure sufficient funds are maintained in escrow accounts as tax bills can fluctuate annually based on assessment changes and rate adjustments across various taxing districts.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due for the 2025 tax year? A: Property taxes are due January through March, with March 1 being the final payment deadline. Mail payments to BC Real Property Tax Service, PO Box 2087, Binghamton, NY 13902.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The STAR program provides school tax relief credits but requires application. Enhanced STAR is available for seniors 65+ with income restrictions. Veterans exemptions and senior citizens exemptions are also available but must be applied for - they are not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: New York's homestead provisions help limit assessment increases for primary residences. This caps the growth in assessed value rather than reducing market value, but requires filing an application to receive the benefit.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: March 1 serves as the annual "Taxable Status Date" when property condition and ownership are determined for assessment purposes. Assessment schedules may vary by municipality within Broome County.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest charges apply to payments received after March 1. Contact BC Real Property Tax Service for specific penalty rates and calculation methods.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact BC Real Property Tax Service directly to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for your specific tax bill.

Q: Why did my tax bill change if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax bills can change due to rate adjustments in any of the taxing jurisdictions (county, school district, town/city, special districts) that apply to your property location.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Properties may be subject to additional taxes from fire districts, water districts, sewer districts, or lighting districts depending on location and services provided. These appear as separate line items on tax bills.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must typically be filed by a specific deadline after assessment notices are mailed. Contact your local assessor's office or BC Real Property Tax Service for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I miss the application deadline for tax credits? A: Most tax credits including STAR have annual application deadlines. Missing deadlines may result in losing credits for that tax year, though some programs allow late applications with penalties.

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