Q: When are property taxes due in St. Lawrence County for FY 2025-2026?
A: Due dates vary by municipality, but most areas have their second installment due in April. Contact your local tax collector for specific dates as some towns and villages may have different schedules.
Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply?
A: The primary credit is the STAR program for school tax relief. Basic STAR provides exemption amounts varying by town (e.g., $66,300 in Hammond, $73,190 in Hermon for 2025-2026). Enhanced STAR offers higher benefits for income-qualified seniors. All STAR benefits require annual application and are NOT automatic.
Q: What is the Senior Citizens Exemption?
A: This is a property tax exemption (reducing assessed value) available to qualifying seniors based on age and income requirements. It requires application through your local assessor's office and has specific filing deadlines, typically by March 1st annually.
Q: How does the Veterans Exemption work?
A: Qualifying veterans can receive property tax exemptions reducing their assessed value. The amount and eligibility vary by service period and disability status. Applications must be filed with the local assessor and require documentation of military service.
Q: When are properties reassessed?
A: St. Lawrence County towns and villages reassess properties on varying cycles. Some reassess annually while others may reassess every few years. Contact your local assessor for your municipality's reassessment schedule.
Q: How do I appeal my property assessment?
A: Assessment appeals must be filed with your local Board of Assessment Review, typically by late May (Grievance Day). Check with your town or village assessor for specific deadlines and required forms.
Q: What are the penalties for late tax payment?
A: Late payment penalties vary by municipality. Properties with taxes unpaid for two years may face foreclosure proceedings, with the county's annual foreclosure auction typically held in September.
Q: Can I pay my property taxes online?
A: Online payment options vary by municipality within St. Lawrence County. Contact your local tax collector to determine available payment methods for your specific location.
Q: What are special district taxes?
A: These are additional taxes for services like fire protection, libraries, lighting, or water/sewer districts. The specific districts affecting your property depend on your location and appear as separate line items on your tax bill.
Q: What is a Homestead exemption and is it available in St. Lawrence County?
A: St. Lawrence County may offer partial tax exemptions for residential properties under certain programs like RP-467-j. These require specific applications and have income or other qualifying requirements. Contact your local assessor to determine availability and eligibility requirements.
