HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Richmond County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Richmond County, NY. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Effective rate ~12.5% varies by tax class and district (Class 1: lower rate, Class 2-4: higher rates)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Richmond County (Staten Island), New York operates under a unique property tax system as part of New York City's five boroughs. Property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, police and fire departments, parks and recreation, infrastructure maintenance, and municipal operations. The county uses a market-value assessment approach with properties classified into different tax classes that determine the applicable tax rate.

For the 2025-26 tax year, property owners in Richmond County can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 12.5%, though actual rates vary significantly based on your property's tax class and location within specific taxing districts. Unlike other New York counties, Richmond County follows NYC's quarterly billing system, making it essential for property owners to understand the payment schedule and available tax relief programs. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value after applying any eligible exemptions or credits, many of which require annual application and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (FY 2025-2026)Description
General City Tax4.250%Funds municipal services, infrastructure, administration
School Tax6.875%Richmond County school districts and education services
County Tax1.375%County-level services and operations
Total Base Rate12.500%Combined rate for most residential properties
Special DistrictsVariesAdditional assessments for lighting, business improvement districts

Note: Rates shown apply to Class 1 (1-3 family residential) properties for tax year 2025-2026. Class 2 (cooperative/condominium), Class 3 (utility), and Class 4 (commercial) properties have different rate structures. Special taxing districts within Richmond County may impose additional assessments that can increase your total effective rate. Consult your property tax bill for district-specific charges.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Richmond 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 Richmond County are additional property tax bills issued when there's a change in property ownership, new construction completion, or significant property improvements during the tax year. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally assessed and billed versus the updated assessment reflecting current property conditions or ownership.

Common triggers include property sales (requiring reassessment at current market value), completion of new construction projects, major renovations that increase property value, or correction of assessment errors. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessment and original assessment, multiplying by the applicable tax rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a property sale in October triggers a $50,000 assessment increase, the supplemental tax would be ($50,000 × 12.5% × 6/12 months) = $3,125 for the remaining six months of the fiscal year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with STAR Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • STAR School Tax Exemption: $30,000 (applied to school portion only)
  • Taxable Value: $300,000 (general/county) + $270,000 (school portion)
  • Annual Tax: ($300,000 × 5.625%) + ($270,000 × 6.875%) = $16,875 + $18,563 = $35,438
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,953

Example 2: $600,000 Home with STAR and Senior Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • STAR Exemption: $30,000 (school taxes)
  • Senior Citizens Exemption: $60,000 (requires application, income limits apply)
  • Taxable Value: $540,000 (general/county) + $510,000 (school portion)
  • Annual Tax: ($540,000 × 5.625%) + ($510,000 × 6.875%) = $30,375 + $35,063 = $65,438
  • Monthly Escrow: $5,453

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Veterans Exemption

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Veterans Exemption: $125,000 (requires DD-214 and application)
  • Taxable Value: $875,000
  • Annual Tax: $875,000 × 12.5% = $109,375
  • Monthly Escrow: $9,115

Note: All exemptions require annual application by March 15th deadline. Actual tax bills may include special district assessments.

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 Richmond County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically equal to 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion for potential increases.

Lenders pay property taxes on your behalf by the quarterly due dates (July 15, October 15, January 15, and April 15) to avoid late penalties and interest charges. Your escrow account is analyzed annually, usually around your loan anniversary date, to ensure adequate funds. If property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require an escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly escrow amount. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits, payments, and account balance. Property owners can verify their tax payments through NYC's Department of Finance website and should review their mortgage statements to confirm timely tax payments, especially given Richmond County's quarterly billing system.

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 Richmond County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due quarterly on July 15, October 15, January 15, and April 15 for fiscal year 2025-2026. You can pay interest-free if payment is received by these dates. Late payments incur interest charges calculated from the original due dates (July 1, October 1, January 1, April 1).

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Major tax credits include STAR (School Tax Relief) providing up to $30,000 in school tax reduction, Senior Citizens Exemption offering 5-50% reduction based on income, Veterans Exemption providing various benefit levels, and Clergy Property Tax Exemption. All credits require annual application by March 15th deadline and are NOT automatically applied.

Q: How does the STAR homestead credit work? A: STAR provides school tax relief by exempting the first $30,000 of home value from school taxes only. Enhanced STAR for seniors 65+ with income under $92,300 offers greater benefits. You must apply annually through NYC Department of Finance, and the credit only applies to your primary residence.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Richmond County? A: As part of NYC, Richmond County conducts annual market value assessments. Property values are updated yearly based on sales data and market conditions. You'll receive an assessment notice before the tax year begins and have the right to challenge assessments through the Tax Commission.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Interest accrues from the original quarterly due dates at rates set by NYC (currently around 18% annually). Additional penalties may apply for severely delinquent accounts, and properties can eventually face tax lien sales if taxes remain unpaid for extended periods.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Richmond County property taxes can be paid online through NYC.gov, by phone at 311, by mail with check or money order, or in person at borough offices. Online payments are processed immediately and provide confirmation receipts.

Q: Do special taxing districts affect my property tax bill? A: Yes, properties within Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), special lighting districts, or other municipal service areas may have additional assessments beyond the base county rate. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

Q: What happens if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can file a protest with the NYC Tax Commission, typically by March 15th following the assessment notice. You'll need evidence such as recent sales of comparable properties, professional appraisals, or documentation of property condition issues that affect value.

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

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate