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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Steuben County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.5% to 4.0% of assessed value (varies by municipality and school district combination)
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Steuben County property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and municipal services. Property owners pay taxes to multiple jurisdictions: the county, their local municipality (town, city, or village), school district, and any applicable special districts such as fire districts or library districts.

The effective property tax rate in Steuben County typically ranges from 2.5% to 4.0% of assessed value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county. New York's property tax system uses assessment ratios that may be less than 100% of market value, and actual tax bills depend on the combination of all taxing jurisdictions in your area. Each municipality within Steuben County sets its own tax rates and payment schedules, creating variations across the county's 53 towns, cities, and villages.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Property tax rates in Steuben County vary by municipality and special taxing districts. The following represents typical rate components for FY 2024-2025:

ComponentTypical Rate RangeDescription
County Tax$8-12 per $1,000 assessed valueFunds county services, courts, sheriff
School Tax$15-25 per $1,000 assessed valueLargest component, funds local school districts
Town/City Tax$2-8 per $1,000 assessed valueMunicipal services, highways, general government
Fire District$1-4 per $1,000 assessed valueFire protection services (where applicable)
Library District$0.50-2 per $1,000 assessed valuePublic library funding (where applicable)
Total Combined Rate$26.50-51 per $1,000Varies significantly by location

Note: These rates apply to assessed value, not market value. Assessment ratios in Steuben County municipalities typically range from 50% to 100% of market value. Your specific tax rate depends on which special districts serve your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Steuben 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 Steuben 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 ensure that property owners pay their fair share for the entire period they own the property.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplying by the applicable tax rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in July that was previously under-assessed, you would receive a supplemental bill covering July through the end of the tax year for the additional assessed value. New construction completed mid-year triggers supplemental taxes from the completion date forward, ensuring immediate taxation of improved property values.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (with Basic STAR)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (80% ratio): $240,000
  • Basic STAR School Tax Exemption: -$30,000
  • Net Taxable for School: $210,000
  • Net Taxable for Other: $240,000
  • Annual Tax (35 per $1,000 combined rate): $8,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $700

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

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (80% ratio): $480,000
  • Enhanced STAR School Tax Exemption: -$70,680
  • Net Taxable for School: $409,320
  • Net Taxable for Other: $480,000
  • Annual Tax (38 per $1,000 combined rate): $17,454
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,455

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (no STAR)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (80% ratio): $800,000
  • No exemptions applied
  • Net Taxable: $800,000
  • Annual Tax (42 per $1,000 combined rate): $33,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,800

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. Rates vary by specific location and taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Steuben County properties. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, plus a cushion amount (typically 2-3 months of taxes). The lender pays your property taxes directly to the appropriate tax collectors when bills are due.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and lenders will adjust your monthly payment up or down based on actual tax amounts paid versus collected. You'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing any shortage or surplus. Due to Steuben County's varied payment schedules across municipalities, it's important to verify that your lender has current information about your specific tax due dates. School taxes are typically due in summer months, while county and municipal taxes are generally due by January 31st with a grace period until March 31st in most jurisdictions.

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 Steuben County? A: Due dates vary by municipality. Most county and municipal taxes are due January 31st with no penalty if paid by March 31st. School taxes are typically due in June. Village taxes usually have April due dates. Check with your specific municipality for exact dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The STAR program provides school tax relief - Basic STAR for all homeowners and Enhanced STAR for seniors 65+. Senior Citizens Exemptions and Veterans Exemptions are also available. All require separate applications filed with your local assessor's office. Most have March 1st application deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead exemption work? A: New York's Enhanced STAR exemption for seniors includes income limits and caps assessment increases. This limits how much your assessment can grow year-to-year but doesn't reduce your home's market value. You must file annually and meet income requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Reassessment schedules vary by municipality in Steuben County. Most towns reassess every 3-6 years, while some maintain annual updates. Contact your local assessor for your municipality's schedule.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes. File a complaint with your local Board of Assessment Review during their designated meeting period (typically May-June). You have 30 days from receiving your assessment notice. Further appeals can be made to state court.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Penalties vary by municipality but typically include interest charges of 1-1.5% per month after the grace period ends. Properties with unpaid taxes may eventually face tax foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Many Steuben County municipalities offer online payment options. Check your tax bill or municipality's website for available electronic payment methods. Some charge convenience fees for credit card payments.

Q: Why do I receive separate tax bills? A: You may receive separate bills for county/town taxes (due January 31st), school taxes (due in summer), and village taxes (if applicable). Each taxing jurisdiction operates on different fiscal years and collection schedules.

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