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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ontario County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ontario 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
2.5-4.0% of market value (varies by municipality and school district)
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ontario County, New York operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, towns, villages, and special districts. Property taxes are based on assessed values determined by local assessors and are collected at the county level for distribution to various taxing jurisdictions. The effective tax rate in Ontario County typically ranges from approximately 2.5% to 4.0% of market value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Actual tax rates differ substantially across Ontario County due to the layered structure of taxing jurisdictions. Your total property tax bill combines county taxes, town or city taxes, school district taxes, and any applicable special district assessments (such as fire districts, water districts, or lighting districts). This means two properties with identical assessed values can have very different tax bills depending on their municipal boundaries and special district coverage.

The county follows New York State's property tax calendar, with assessment rolls typically finalized in spring and tax bills issued in the fall. Most municipalities in Ontario County offer the state STAR program for school tax relief, along with various local exemptions for seniors, veterans, and other qualifying property owners, though these benefits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County Tax$3.50-$4.50 per $1,000Ontario County operations, services, debt service
School Tax$18.00-$25.00 per $1,000Local school district operations (varies by district)
Town/City Tax$2.00-$8.00 per $1,000Municipal services (varies by municipality)
Village Tax$3.00-$12.00 per $1,000Village services (where applicable)
Special Districts$0.50-$5.00 per $1,000Fire, water, sewer, lighting districts

Note: Rates shown are approximate ranges for FY 2024-2025. Final 2025-2026 rates are not yet published. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Ontario County based on your specific taxing jurisdictions.

The total combined rate typically ranges from $25.00 to $40.00 per $1,000 of assessed value. Special district assessments can add substantial amounts depending on your property's location and the services provided. Check with the Ontario County Real Property Tax office for specific rates applicable to your property's tax map number.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ontario 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 Ontario County are additional property tax assessments issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year the higher assessment applies.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: completion of new construction projects, major renovations or additions that increase property value, change in property use classification, or correction of assessment errors. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the increase in assessed value, then prorating based on the effective date of the change.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March that increases your assessed value by $40,000, and your combined tax rate is $30 per $1,000, you would owe approximately $1,200 in additional taxes ($40,000 ÷ $1,000 × $30) prorated for 9 months of the tax year, resulting in a supplemental bill of about $900. Supplemental bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the assessment change and have their own payment due dates separate from regular tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (Town of Victor)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100% of market): $300,000
  • STAR Credit Applied: -$30,000 (school tax portion only, requires application)
  • School Taxable Value: $270,000
  • Other Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: $32.50 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $8,775 (school: $5,400 + other: $3,375)
  • Monthly Escrow: $731

Example 2: $600,000 Home (City of Canandaigua)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (100% of market): $600,000
  • Enhanced STAR Credit Applied: -$30,000 (seniors only, requires application)
  • School Taxable Value: $570,000 (if qualifying for Enhanced STAR)
  • Other Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: $35.75 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $20,025 (school: $12,825 + other: $7,200)
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,669

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (Town of Bristol)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (100% of market): $1,000,000
  • No STAR Credit (exceeds income limits)
  • Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: $28.50 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $28,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,375

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and income/age verification. Rates shown are estimates for illustration.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ontario County require borrowers to establish an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax bill and divide it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment. This amount is collected along with your mortgage principal and interest payment each month.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase significantly, you may face an escrow shortage requiring either a lump sum payment or increased monthly payments. Conversely, if taxes decrease or if the lender overestimated, you may receive an escrow refund. Ontario County tax bills are generally issued in September/October with due dates varying by municipality, so lenders must ensure sufficient funds are available during the collection period.

You can verify your property's tax information through the Ontario County Real Property Tax Services website to ensure your lender has accurate assessment and tax rate information. If you pay taxes directly (without escrow), you're responsible for budgeting and making payments by the municipal due dates. Late payments typically incur interest charges and penalties that can compound monthly.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Ontario County for the current fiscal year? A: Due dates vary by municipality. Most towns have bills due around October 31st for the first installment, with some offering a second installment due in November or December. Villages may have different schedules. Check with your specific municipality for exact dates for FY 2024-2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the STAR program, which provides school tax relief and REQUIRES an annual application or income verification. Enhanced STAR is available for seniors 65+ with income limits. Veterans may qualify for exemptions with separate applications. Senior citizens exemptions are also available. None of these are automatic.

Q: How does the STAR program work? A: STAR is a tax credit that reduces your school tax bill (not your assessed value). Basic STAR provides up to $30,000 in assessed value relief from school taxes for qualifying homeowners. You must apply annually and meet income limits. Enhanced STAR provides additional relief for seniors but has stricter income requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Ontario County? A: Most municipalities in Ontario County conduct reassessments every 3-6 years, though some smaller towns may go longer. Annual assessment updates can occur for new construction or major improvements. You'll receive an assessment notice in spring if your value changes.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes. You can file a grievance with your local Board of Assessment Review, typically during May (grievance day varies by municipality). If unsatisfied, you can appeal to the county level, then to state court. The process has strict deadlines and filing requirements.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest charges, typically 1% per month or portion thereof. Extended delinquencies can result in tax liens and eventual foreclosure proceedings. Some municipalities offer payment plans for hardship situations.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Most municipalities in Ontario County offer online payment options through their websites or the county portal. Credit cards may incur processing fees. Check your tax bill or municipal website for available payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary so much between properties? A: Special districts provide specific services like fire protection, water, sewer, or street lighting to defined geographic areas. Your property may be served by multiple special districts, each with its own tax rate based on the services provided and the district's budget needs.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Real Property Tax | Ontario County, NY - Official Websiteontariocountyny.gov
02
CITY OF CANANDAIGUAontariocountyny.gov
03
County
2025 County/Town Taxesoncorng.co.ontario.ny.us
04
County
Deadline to switch to STAR by municipality: Ontario Countytax.ny.gov
05
Tax Doc
Schedule of Taxes Dueontariocountyny.gov
06
County
Exemptions | Ontario County, NY - Official Websiteontariocountyny.gov
07
County
Local Laws | Ontario County, NY - Official Websiteontariocountyny.gov
08
County
Your Government | Ontario County, NY - Official Websiteontariocountyny.gov
09
County
Ontario County Board of Supervisors AGENDAontariocountyny.gov
10
County
Social Security | Ontario County, NY - Official Websiteontariocountyny.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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