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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Oswego County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Oswego 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
$5.15 per $1,000 assessed value (countywide average - varies by district and special taxing jurisdictions)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Oswego County, New York operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, and municipal operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with the county serving as the collecting agent for various taxing jurisdictions within its boundaries. The effective tax rate in Oswego County is approximately $5.15 per $1,000 of assessed value for the 2025 tax year, though this represents a countywide average.

Actual property tax rates vary significantly by location within Oswego County due to the presence of multiple special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and water/sewer districts. Property owners may pay taxes to several different entities, with the total bill reflecting the combined rates of all applicable jurisdictions. The county reassesses properties periodically to maintain equitable taxation based on current market values, and property owners have appeal rights if they believe their assessment is incorrect.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County Tax$1.85Oswego County general operations and services
School Tax$15.00-$25.00Varies by school district within county
Town/City Tax$0.75-$3.50Municipal services, varies by municipality
Fire District$0.50-$2.00Fire protection services where applicable
Library District$0.25-$0.75Public library funding where applicable
Water/Sewer$1.00-$4.00Water and wastewater services where applicable

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (fiscal year 2025-2026). Actual combined rates range from approximately $18.35 to $41.10 per $1,000 of assessed value depending on your specific location and applicable special districts. Contact the Oswego County Real Property Tax Services Agency for your exact rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Oswego 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 Oswego County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: purchase of property that was previously exempt, completion of new construction or major renovations, subdivision of land, or changes in property use. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in June and your combined tax rate is $20 per $1,000, you would owe approximately $500 in supplemental taxes ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × $20 = $1,000 annually, prorated for 6 months = $500). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the assessment change and are due within 30 days of issuance.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • STAR Credit Applied: -$30,000 (school taxes only, requires application)
  • Net Taxable for Schools: $270,000
  • Net Taxable for Other: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $5,400 (assuming $20/$1,000 combined rate with STAR savings)
  • Monthly Escrow: $450

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • STAR Credit Applied: -$30,000 (school taxes only, requires application)
  • Enhanced STAR (if 65+): -$68,700 (requires separate application)
  • Net Taxable: $531,300 (with Enhanced STAR)
  • Annual Tax: $10,626 (assuming $20/$1,000 combined rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $886

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • STAR Credit Applied: -$30,000 (school taxes only, income limits may apply)
  • Veterans Credit: -$15,000 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable: $955,000
  • Annual Tax: $19,100 (assuming $20/$1,000 combined rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,592

Note: All credits require annual application and have specific eligibility requirements and deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Oswego County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely tax payments. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. These funds are held in a separate account and used to pay your property taxes when due in January.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will increase accordingly. Property owners can verify escrow payments by reviewing their annual tax bills and comparing them to lender escrow statements. Some lenders may pay taxes early to avoid potential penalties, while others wait closer to the due date. Property owners should monitor their tax accounts online to confirm payments are made timely and in the correct amounts.

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 Oswego County? A: Property taxes for fiscal year 2025-2026 are typically due by January 31st, with a 30-day grace period without penalties. Payment notices are mailed in December.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The STAR program provides school tax relief (application required annually by March 1st), Enhanced STAR for seniors 65+ with income limits, Veterans exemptions for qualified veterans, Senior Citizens exemptions for those 65+ meeting income requirements, and Disability exemptions. All require separate applications with specific deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead/STAR credit work? A: STAR provides a credit against school taxes only, not a reduction in assessed value. Basic STAR saves approximately $600-800 annually, while Enhanced STAR for seniors can save $2,000+ depending on your school district rate. You must apply annually and meet income requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Oswego County conducts full reassessments approximately every 6-8 years, with annual updates for new construction and improvements. The most recent countywide reassessment was completed in 2019.

Q: What if I disagree with my assessment? A: File a grievance with your local Board of Assessment Review by Grievance Day (typically the 4th Tuesday in May). If unsatisfied, you can appeal to Small Claims Assessment Review or Article 7 proceedings in State Supreme Court.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest accrues at 1% per month (12% annually) on unpaid taxes after the grace period. Properties with taxes unpaid for two years may be subject to tax foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Oswego County offers online payment through their official website. Credit card payments may include convenience fees. Electronic check payments typically have lower or no fees.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts (fire, library, water, etc.) levy their own taxes based on services provided to your property. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and rates vary by district. Contact the county for information about which districts serve your property.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Oswego County Legislature Reduces Generic Property Tax ...oswegocountyny.gov
02
County
Oswego County Legislature Lowers Property Taxes Again ...oswegocountyny.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax/Assessment Rolls and Reportsoswegocountyny.gov
04
County
OSWEGO COUNTY TREASURERoswegocountyny.gov
05
Tax Doc
Paying Property Taxesoswegocountyny.gov
06
Tax Doc
(Property Taxes and Quarterly Water Bills)oswegony.gov
07
County
Oswego County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
08
Exemption Administrationoswegocountyny.gov
09
County
Common Property Tax Exemptions in Oswego Countyoswegocountyny.gov
10
Bill Search and Legislative Information | New York ...nyassembly.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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