HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Putnam County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Putnam 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
2.70% effective rate (varies by school district and municipality)
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Putnam 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 uses a market value assessment system where properties are assessed based on their estimated fair market value. Property owners receive tax bills that combine multiple tax components including county taxes, school district taxes, town/municipal taxes, and various special district assessments.

The effective property tax rate in Putnam County is approximately 2.70% for 2025, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts. This rate is notably higher than the New York state average of around 1.4%, reflecting the county's commitment to well-funded local services and highly-rated school systems. Property owners should understand that their specific tax rate depends on their exact location within the county's various taxing jurisdictions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County Tax~0.17-0.22%Funds county government services, sheriff, roads, courts
School District Tax~1.8-2.2%Varies by school district; eligible for STAR program relief
Town/Municipal Tax~0.3-0.8%Town services, local roads, municipal operations
Special Districts~0.1-0.5%Fire districts, library districts, water/sewer districts
Total Effective Rate~2.7%Combined rate for FY 2025

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 tax levy year and vary significantly by specific location within Putnam County. Properties may be subject to additional special district taxes depending on their location. School tax portions are eligible for STAR program credits for qualifying homeowners.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Putnam 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 Putnam County are additional property tax assessments issued when there are changes in property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction, major improvements, property splits, or corrections to assessments discovered after the regular tax roll is finalized. 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 portion of the tax year the change was in effect.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $100,000 addition in March that increases their assessed value by $80,000, they would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessment from March through June (4 months). The calculation would be: $80,000 × 2.70% × (4/12 months) = approximately $720 in supplemental taxes due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with STAR Basic Credit

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • STAR Basic Credit Applied: -$30,000 (school tax portion only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (county/town), $270,000 (school)
  • Annual Tax: (~$300K × 0.9%) + ($270K × 1.8%) = $2,700 + $4,860 = $7,560
  • Monthly Escrow: $630

Example 2: $600,000 Home with STAR Enhanced Credit (Seniors)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • STAR Enhanced Credit Applied: -$68,700 (school tax portion only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (county/town), $531,300 (school)
  • Annual Tax: (~$600K × 0.9%) + ($531K × 1.8%) = $5,400 + $9,563 = $14,963
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,247

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (No STAR Credit)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Credits Applied: None (income over STAR limits)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 2.70% = $27,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,250

All credits require annual application and income verification

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 Putnam County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon borrower request. Lenders collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in a separate escrow account. Since Putnam County property taxes are typically due by July 31st annually, lenders usually make the tax payment directly to the county in July or August on behalf of the homeowner.

Property owners should review their annual escrow analysis statements carefully, as tax increases can result in escrow shortages requiring higher monthly payments or lump-sum payments. When property values increase significantly, homeowners may need to budget for higher escrow payments. Those without escrow accounts must ensure they save adequately throughout the year, as the full annual tax bill becomes due in a single payment. Online payment options are available through the Putnam County Tax Collector's office for both escrowed and non-escrowed properties.

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 Putnam County for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are due by July 31, 2025. Some towns within the county may offer partial payment options in January, but you should contact your local tax collector to confirm specific payment schedules for your municipality.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: The main tax credit is the STAR program (Basic and Enhanced) which reduces school taxes only. STAR Basic provides up to $30,000 in assessed value relief, while Enhanced STAR for seniors 65+ offers higher benefits. Both require annual income verification and application - they are not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead exemption work? A: New York's property tax cap limits assessment increases to 2% annually or the rate of inflation (whichever is less) for qualifying homeowners. This caps assessment growth but doesn't reduce market value. You must file annually to maintain this benefit.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Putnam County? A: Putnam County conducts periodic reassessments, typically every 3-6 years depending on the municipality. Property owners receive assessment notices in advance and have the right to challenge their assessments through the formal grievance process.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties starting August 1st. Interest rates and penalty structures vary by municipality within the county, so contact your local tax collector for specific penalty information.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Putnam County offers online payment options through their official website. You can search and pay Real Estate, Personal Property, Motor Vehicle, and Supplemental tax bills online. Contact the Tax Collector's Office at 845.808.1030 for assistance.

Q: Are veterans eligible for property tax benefits? A: Yes, qualifying veterans may be eligible for property tax exemptions under New York's Veterans Exemption program. This requires application and verification of military service. Contact the county assessor's office for specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Putnam County? A: Tax rates differ based on your specific location within various taxing districts including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and municipalities. Each district sets its own tax levy, resulting in different combined rates throughout 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 Adopted Budget Property Tax Rate by Yearputnamcountyny.gov
02
County
THE PUTNAM COUNTY LEGISLATUREputnamcountyny.gov
03
County
Deadline to switch to STAR by municipality: Putnam Countytax.ny.gov
04
Tax Doc
Instructions for Form ST-810 - Tax.NY.govtax.ny.gov
05
Payment Scheduletownofkentny.gov
06
State
NY State Senate Bill 2025-S8109Anysenate.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property tax forms - Exemptions - Tax.NY.govtax.ny.gov
08
Exemption Information & Forms – Town of Putnam Valleyputnamvalley.gov
09
Tax Doc
Town of Putnam - Tax Bills Search & Payputnamct.us
10
County
Departments - Putnam County, New Yorkputnamcountyny.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