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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Orleans County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Orleans 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
$8.21 per $1,000 of assessed value (county portion only), total rates vary by municipality and school district
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Orleans County, New York operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, town/city services, and special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these jurisdictions, with the county's tax rate for 2026 set at $8.21 per $1,000 of assessed value, representing a $0.14 increase from the previous year's rate of $8.07. This increase reflects the growing burden of state-mandated programs, which now consume 115% of the county's property tax levy.

Property owners should understand that actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Orleans County due to different combinations of school districts, municipal taxes, fire districts, and other special taxing districts. The county rate represents just one component of your total property tax bill. New York's STAR (School Tax Relief) program provides the primary tax credit for eligible homeowners, though this and other credits require annual application and are not automatically applied to your assessment.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County Tax$8.21Orleans County operations, mandated programs (FY 2026)
School TaxVaries by districtLocal school district funding, reduced by STAR credits
Town/City TaxVaries by municipalityMunicipal services, varies significantly by location
Fire DistrictVaries by districtFire protection services where applicable
Special DistrictsVariesLibrary, water, sewer, lighting districts as applicable

Note: The rates shown are for Fiscal Year 2026. Your total effective tax rate will be the sum of all applicable components for your specific location within Orleans County. School tax rates vary considerably between districts and represent the largest portion of most property tax bills. Contact your local assessor for district-specific rate information.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Orleans 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 New York are triggered when property undergoes significant changes that increase its assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations, additions, or change of ownership that reveals higher market value. The supplemental tax represents the difference between the original tax assessment and the new higher assessment, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in October and your assessment increases accordingly, you would owe supplemental taxes on that increased value from October through the end of the fiscal year. The calculation takes the assessment increase, multiplies by your total tax rate, then prorates for the months remaining. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills 30-60 days after the assessor processes the change, and these taxes are due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (assuming 100% assessment ratio)
  • STAR Credit Applied: -$30,000 (school tax portion only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $270,000 (for school taxes), $300,000 (for other taxes)
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: $25.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: ~$7,250
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$604

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • STAR Credit Applied: -$30,000 (school tax portion, if income-eligible)
  • Net Taxable Value: $570,000 (school), $600,000 (other)
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: $25.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: ~$14,750
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,229

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • STAR Credit Applied: May not qualify due to income limits
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: $25.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: ~$25,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$2,083

Note: All credits require application and income eligibility. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Orleans County properties, collecting monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual tax bill plus a cushion amount. Lenders typically collect escrow payments starting with your first mortgage payment and pay your tax bills directly to the appropriate tax collectors on your behalf. The escrow account is analyzed annually, and you'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing any shortage or surplus.

Orleans County property taxes are collected quarterly with due dates of July 15, October 15, January 15, and April 15. Lenders usually make payments by these due dates to avoid interest charges. If you pay before the 15th of each quarter, no interest applies, but interest accrues from the original due date if payment is late. Property owners should verify their lender is making timely payments and maintain adequate escrow balances, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when escrowed.

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 Orleans County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Taxes are due quarterly on July 15, October 15, January 15, and April 15. The next due date is April 15, 2026. Interest applies from the due date if payment is late.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The main credit is STAR (School Tax Relief) which requires annual application and income eligibility verification. Senior Citizens Exemptions (10-50% reduction for those over 65) and Veterans Exemptions are also available but require application through your local assessor.

Q: How does the STAR Homestead credit work? A: STAR provides a credit against school taxes only, not an exemption from assessed value. Basic STAR offers up to $30,000 credit; Enhanced STAR for seniors offers higher amounts. You must apply annually and meet income limits.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Orleans County? A: Assessment schedules vary by municipality within Orleans County. Contact your local assessor for your area's reassessment cycle and current assessment ratio.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Interest accrues from the original quarterly due date on unpaid balances. Additional penalties may apply for severely delinquent accounts, potentially leading to tax lien or foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Online payment options vary by municipality within Orleans County. Contact your local tax collector for available electronic payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why did my taxes increase when my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax rates can increase due to higher municipal budgets, school district needs, or special district costs, even with unchanged assessments. Your total rate is the sum of all applicable taxing jurisdictions.

Q: How do special district taxes work in Orleans County? A: Special districts (fire, library, water, etc.) add their own tax rates to your bill. These vary by location and services provided. Only properties within each district's boundaries pay those specific taxes.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Orleans County Releases Tentative 2026 Budgetorleanscountyny.gov
02
County
orleans county 2025 tax ratesorleanscountyny.gov
03
2025 final STAR credit and exemption savings amountstax.ny.gov
04
Tax Doc
Estimated tax payment due datestax.ny.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Due Datesnyc.gov
06
County
Annual Tax Lien Sale | Nassau County, NY - Official Websitenassaucountyny.gov
07
november-2019-990-index.csvirs.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property tax exemptions - Tax.NY.govtax.ny.gov
09
State
Property Tax Exemptions in New York Stateosc.ny.gov
10
Office for the Agingorleanscountyny.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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