HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Herkimer County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
6.248872% county rate, total effective rates 2.5%-4.5% including all jurisdictions
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Herkimer County, New York, are a primary source of funding for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, municipal services, and special districts. The county operates under New York State's real property tax system, where taxes are based on assessed value rather than market value. Property owners in Herkimer County typically face an effective tax rate that varies significantly by location within the county, as rates depend on the combination of county taxes, school district taxes, town or city taxes, and any applicable special district assessments.

The county-wide tax rate for FY 2025 is 6.248872% for county taxes alone, but total effective rates including all taxing jurisdictions typically range from approximately 2.5% to 4.5% of assessed value depending on your specific location within Herkimer County. Actual tax bills vary considerably based on which school district, town, city, and special taxing districts (such as fire districts or library districts) serve your property. Property owners should note that New York offers several tax relief programs, including the STAR program for school tax relief, but these benefits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County Tax6.248872%General county services, sheriff, courts, social services
School District TaxVaries by districtLocal school district operations, varies significantly
Town/City TaxVaries by municipalityMunicipal services, road maintenance, local government
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire districts, library districts, water/sewer districts

Rates shown apply to FY 2025 levy year. School district rates vary widely across Herkimer County's multiple school districts including Mount Markham, Herkimer Central, and others. Town and village rates differ based on local budgets and service levels. Special district rates apply only to properties within district boundaries and can add 0.5% to 2.0% to your total rate. Contact your town assessor for your specific combined rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Herkimer 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 Herkimer County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations that increase assessed value, changes in property classification, or corrections to assessment errors discovered after the annual tax roll is finalized.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the additional tax is calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the increase in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in January that increases your assessed value by $80,000, and your combined tax rate is 3.5%, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $2,800 ($80,000 × 3.5%) for that tax year. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the assessment change and have separate due dates from your regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Basic STAR Credit: -$30,000 (school taxes only, requires application)
  • Net Taxable for Schools: $270,000
  • Net Taxable for County/Town: $300,000
  • Annual Tax Calculation: ~$9,000-$12,000 (depending on district)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$750-$1,000

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Basic STAR Credit: -$30,000 (school taxes only, requires application)
  • Net Taxable for Schools: $570,000
  • Net Taxable for County/Town: $600,000
  • Annual Tax Calculation: ~$18,000-$24,000 (depending on district)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,500-$2,000

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Enhanced STAR Credit: -$66,800 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable for Schools: $933,200
  • Net Taxable for County/Town: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax Calculation: ~$30,000-$40,000 (depending on district)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$2,500-$3,333

Note: STAR credits apply only to school taxes and require annual application. Actual rates vary by specific location within Herkimer County.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Herkimer County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. These funds are held in a non-interest-bearing account and used to pay your property tax bills when due.

Lenders typically pay Herkimer County property taxes by the April 15th due date to avoid interest charges. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing how your payments were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners can verify tax payments through the Herkimer County Real Property Tax Services Office and should review their mortgage statements to ensure taxes are paid timely, as you remain ultimately responsible even when using escrow.

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 Herkimer County? A: For FY 2025, property taxes are due by April 15, 2025. If unpaid by this date, interest accrues from the original due date. A final payment deadline typically extends to early May with additional penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The STAR program provides school tax relief - Basic STAR offers up to $30,000 assessment reduction, Enhanced STAR for seniors provides up to $66,800. Senior Citizens Exemptions and Veterans Exemptions are also available. All require separate applications filed with your town assessor by the specified deadline (typically March 1st).

Q: How does the Homestead exemption work? A: New York's Enhanced STAR program for seniors acts as a homestead-type benefit by capping assessment increases for school tax purposes. This limits annual assessment growth rather than reducing market value. You must file annually to maintain eligibility and meet income requirements.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Herkimer County conducts periodic reassessments, with timing varying by town. Contact your local assessor for your area's reassessment schedule. You can appeal assessments through the grievance process, typically with deadlines in May following assessment notices.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest begins accruing immediately after the April 15th due date. Additional penalties may apply for payments made after the final deadline in early May. Contact the County Treasurer for current penalty rates.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Herkimer County offers online payment options through their official website. Check with the County Treasurer's office for available payment methods, which typically include electronic check and credit card options (fees may apply for credit cards).

Q: Why did my taxes increase if my home value didn't change? A: Tax increases can result from higher tax rates due to increased municipal budgets, school district spending, or special district assessments, even if your property's assessed value remains constant.

Q: What special districts might affect my tax bill? A: Common special districts in Herkimer County include fire protection districts, library districts, lighting districts, and water/sewer districts. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by property location within the county.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
2025 Village Tax Roll - Village of West Winfield, NYherkimercountyny.gov
02
County
Town & County Tax Rates - Year 2025herkimercountyny.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 Town Tax Roll - Town of Fairfield, NYherkimercountyny.gov
04
County
Herkimer County Legislature Third Quarterherkimercountyny.gov
05
County
Treasurer's Office | Herkimer County, NYherkimercountyny.gov
06
Budgetherkimercountyny.gov
07
State
state of new yorkherkimercountyny.gov
08
State
state of new yorkherkimercountyny.gov
09
State
state of new yorkherkimercountyny.gov
10
Bill Search and Legislative Informationnyassembly.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate