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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Chemung County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.5% to 4.0% of assessed value (varies significantly by municipality and taxing districts)
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Chemung County, New York operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, municipal services, and special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local governments and school districts throughout the county. The effective tax rate in Chemung County typically ranges from approximately 2.5% to 4.0% of assessed value, though this varies significantly by municipality and the specific taxing districts that serve each property.

Property tax rates in Chemung County vary considerably by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing jurisdictions. Each property may be subject to county taxes, town or city taxes, school district taxes, and various special district assessments such as fire districts, water districts, or lighting districts. The assessed value is determined by local assessors in each municipality, and New York State's STAR program provides school tax relief for eligible homeowners who apply for the benefit.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate Rate RangeDescription
County Tax$8.00-$12.00 per $1,000Funds county services, courts, sheriff, health department
School District Tax$18.00-$25.00 per $1,000Funds local school districts (reduced by STAR if eligible)
Town/City Tax$2.00-$8.00 per $1,000Municipal services, varies by municipality
Fire District$1.00-$3.00 per $1,000Fire protection services (where applicable)
Special Districts$0.50-$2.00 per $1,000Water, sewer, lighting districts (where applicable)

Rates shown are approximate ranges for FY 2025-2026 levy year and vary significantly by specific location within Chemung County. Contact your local assessor for exact rates applicable to your property's taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Chemung 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 Chemung County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. This typically happens due to new construction, major improvements, or changes in property ownership that trigger a reassessment. The supplemental tax is calculated as the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 addition to their home in March and the assessor determines this increases the assessed value by $40,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $40,000 increase at the current tax rate for the remaining 7 months of the tax year (April through October). If the total tax rate is $30 per $1,000 of assessed value, the supplemental tax would be approximately $700 ($40,000 ÷ $1,000 × $30 × 7/12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Basic STAR

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • STAR Credit Applied: -$962 (school tax portion)
  • Net Annual Tax: $8,538 ($300,000 × $30/$1,000 rate - $962)
  • Monthly Payment: $712

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Enhanced STAR (Senior)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Enhanced STAR Credit: -$1,925 (school tax portion)
  • Net Annual Tax: $16,075 ($600,000 × $30/$1,000 rate - $1,925)
  • Monthly Payment: $1,340

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (no credits)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Credits Applied: $0 (income exceeds STAR limits)
  • Net Annual Tax: $30,000 ($1,000,000 × $30/$1,000 rate)
  • Monthly Payment: $2,500

Examples use estimated combined tax rate of $30 per $1,000. STAR credits require annual application and income verification. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Chemung County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the down payment is less than 20%. The lender collects 1/12 of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow. When property taxes become due (typically October 31st), the lender pays the tax bill directly to the appropriate tax collector on behalf of the homeowner.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has received and paid their tax bills correctly. The tax collector will mail bills to both the property owner and the mortgage company when an escrow account is established. If you receive a tax bill and have an escrow account, contact your lender to confirm they received their copy and will process payment by the due date. Homeowners can typically view their escrow account activity through their lender's online portal and should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing projected tax payments for the coming year.

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 in Chemung County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are generally due by October 31st for most municipalities in Chemung County, though specific due dates may vary by town or city. Late payments typically incur a 10% penalty.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary tax credit is the STAR program (School Tax Relief), which provides credits on the school tax portion. Applications must be submitted annually and require income verification. Enhanced STAR is available for senior citizens with income limitations.

Q: How does the STAR program work? A: STAR is a tax credit (not exemption) that reduces your school tax bill. It does not reduce your assessed value but provides a direct credit against school taxes owed. You must apply annually and meet income requirements.

Q: What is the Senior Citizens Exemption? A: This is an exemption (not credit) that reduces the assessed value for qualifying seniors. Unlike STAR, this requires a separate application to your local assessor and has specific age and income requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Chemung County? A: Assessment schedules vary by municipality within Chemung County. Contact your local assessor's office for your specific reassessment cycle and current assessed values.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can file assessment appeals during specific filing periods, typically in May. Contact your municipal assessor for forms and deadlines, or file with the Board of Assessment Review.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments typically incur a 10% penalty. Additional interest and fees may apply for extended delinquency, and the county may eventually initiate tax foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Many municipalities in Chemung County offer online payment options. Check with your specific town, city, or county tax collector for available online payment portals and accepted payment methods.

Q: Do special districts add to my tax bill? A: Yes, properties located within fire districts, water districts, sewer districts, or other special districts will have additional assessments added to their tax bill beyond county, municipal, and school taxes.

Q: What if I disagree with special district charges? A: Special district assessments can often be challenged through the district's governing board. Contact the specific district office for their appeal process and deadlines, which may differ from general property assessment appeals.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
2025 final STAR credit and exemption savings amountstax.ny.gov
02
STAR exemption amounts for school year 2025–2026tax.ny.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax Rate Data Spreadsheettax.ny.gov
04
County
Deadline to switch to STAR by municipality: Chemung Countytax.ny.gov
05
County
Property Tax Payment Schedule | Chemung County, NYchemungcountyny.gov
06
Rates & Billing Informationchemungcountyny.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Foreclosurechemungcountyny.gov
08
State
Exemptions From Real Property Taxation in New York Statetax.ny.gov
09
County
Permits | Chemung County, NYchemungcountyny.gov
10
County
Temporary Assistance | Chemung County, NYchemungcountyny.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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