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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Onondaga County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Onondaga 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
County rate: $2.93 per $1,000 assessed value (2026), total effective rates vary by municipality typically 1.5-3.5%
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Onondaga County, New York operates a property tax system that funds essential county services, schools, and local municipal operations. Property taxes are assessed based on the full market value of real property and collected annually to support county government, school districts, towns, cities, and various special districts throughout the region.

The effective property tax rate in Onondaga County varies significantly by location due to the layered structure of taxing jurisdictions. While the county portion was reduced from $3.31 per thousand dollars of assessed value in 2025 to $2.93 in 2026 (an 11% reduction), property owners also pay school district taxes, municipal taxes, and special district assessments that can vary considerably. When combined, total effective rates typically range from 2.5% to over 4% of assessed value depending on your specific location within the county. Rural areas, suburban towns, and the City of Syracuse each have different tax rate structures based on their respective service needs and special taxing districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000 assessed value)Description
County Tax$2.93County services, reduced from $3.31 in 2025
School District TaxVaries by districtLocal school funding, typically largest component
Municipal TaxVaries by municipalityCity/town/village services
Fire DistrictVaries by districtFire protection services where applicable
Library DistrictVaries by districtPublic library funding where applicable
Water/Sewer DistrictVaries by districtInfrastructure maintenance where applicable

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Total effective rates vary significantly by location within Onondaga County due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts. Contact your local assessor for specific rates applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Onondaga 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 property taxes in Onondaga County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or classification that occur after the annual assessment roll is finalized. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations that increase property value, changes in exemption status, or correction of assessment errors discovered during the tax year.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the additional tax is calculated by applying the current year's tax rates to the increase in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in October and increases your assessed value by $50,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional value from October through the end of the tax year at your locality's combined tax rate.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home in Suburban Town

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Basic STAR Credit: -$30,000 (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $270,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: ~$35.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $9,450
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $787.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Senior Exemption

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Enhanced STAR Credit: -$68,700 (application required, income limits apply)
  • Net Taxable Value: $531,300
  • Combined Tax Rate: ~$32.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $17,002
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,417

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Basic STAR Credit: -$30,000 (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $970,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: ~$38.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $36,860
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $3,072

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Rates vary by specific location and taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Onondaga County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holds these funds in escrow, and pays your tax bills directly to the appropriate tax collectors when due.

Property taxes in Onondaga County are typically paid between January 1 and March 31 each year, with March 31 being the final deadline to avoid penalties. Your mortgage servicer will receive tax bills and pay them on your behalf before the due dates. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing how your payments were applied and any adjustments needed for the coming year. It's important to verify that your lender has current contact information with all relevant tax collectors to ensure timely payment and avoid late penalties on your account.

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 Onondaga County? A: Property taxes for the 2025-2026 fiscal year are due between January 1 and March 31, 2026, with March 31 being the final deadline to avoid penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: The STAR program provides school tax relief and requires application. Basic STAR provides up to $30,000 in assessed value reduction for school taxes, while Enhanced STAR offers higher benefits for seniors with income limits. Veterans exemptions and senior citizen exemptions are also available but require separate applications to the local assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: Unlike some states, New York doesn't have a traditional "Homestead" credit. The STAR program serves a similar function by reducing school tax burden on primary residences, but you must apply and qualify based on income and residency requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Assessment practices vary by municipality within Onondaga County. Some areas conduct annual reassessments while others may reassess every few years. Contact your local assessor's office for your specific municipality's schedule.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments typically incur interest and penalty charges starting April 1st. Rates and specific penalty structures vary by collecting municipality, so check with your local tax collector for exact terms.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Many municipalities within Onondaga County offer online payment options, but availability varies by location. Check your tax bill or contact your local tax collector for online payment portal information.

Q: How do I appeal my assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with your local Board of Assessment Review, typically by Grievance Day (fourth Tuesday in May). Contact your local assessor's office for specific filing requirements and deadlines.

Q: What if I live in multiple special districts? A: Your total tax bill will include charges from all applicable special districts serving your property, such as fire districts, library districts, lighting districts, or water/sewer districts. Each appears as a separate line item on your tax bill.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Fiscal Summaryonondaga.gov
02
County
OnondagaCounty Legislatureonondaga.gov
03
2025 final STAR credit and exemption savings amountstax.ny.gov
04
County
Deadline to switch to STAR by municipality: Onondaga Countytax.ny.gov
05
Tax Doc
Real Property Tax Auction - RPTSonondaga.gov
06
Tax Doc
Real Property Tax Services - RPTSonondaga.gov
07
State
NY State Senate Bill 2009-S7857nysenate.gov
08
Forms - RPTSonondaga.gov
09
State
OFFICIAL STATEMENTonondaga.gov
10
comprehensive annualonondaga.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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