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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Tompkins County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Tompkins 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
4.45% effective rate for 2025 (varies significantly by location and district)
1st Due
Jun 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Tompkins County, New York operates a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including schools, county operations, and municipal services. The county's effective property tax rate is estimated at approximately 4.45% for the 2025 tax year, though this represents a decrease from the previous year. Property owners in Tompkins County should note that actual tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries.

The property tax system in Tompkins County combines multiple tax components including county taxes, school district taxes, town or city taxes, and various special district assessments. Property tax bills are typically mailed after June 1st each year, with the standard due date of March 1st for payment. The county participates in New York State's STAR program, which provides school tax relief for eligible homeowners, along with various other tax credits and exemptions that require separate applications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County TaxVariesGeneral county operations and services
School TaxVaries by districtLocal school district funding
Town/City TaxVaries by municipalityMunicipal services and operations
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire districts, water districts, lighting districts
Total Estimated Rate$44.50Combined rate for FY 2025 (4.45%)

Note: The total effective rate of 4.45% represents an average across the county. Actual rates vary significantly based on your specific location within Tompkins County, school district, and applicable special taxing districts. The 2025 rate shows a decrease of approximately $4.40 per $1,000 of assessed value compared to the previous year.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Tompkins County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jun 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
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 Tompkins County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements to existing properties during the tax year. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

For example, if a property undergoes major renovations that increase its assessed value from $200,000 to $250,000 halfway through the tax year, the owner would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional $50,000 in assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, prorated for six months. Property owners can make supplemental tax payments online by contacting the Tompkins County Finance Department at treasury@tompkins-co.org for detailed payment instructions.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% assessment ratio)
  • Less: STAR Credit (if eligible): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,800
  • Annual Tax: $298,800 × 0.0445 = $13,297
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,108

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: STAR Credit (if eligible): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,800
  • Annual Tax: $598,800 × 0.0445 = $26,647
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,221

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Senior Citizens Credit (if eligible): -$2,400
  • Net Taxable Value: $997,600
  • Annual Tax: $997,600 × 0.0445 = $44,393
  • Monthly Escrow: $3,699

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and eligibility verification. Credits shown are estimates and actual amounts may vary.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Tompkins County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, then pay the taxes directly to the county when bills become due. Since property tax bills are mailed after June 1st with a due date of March 1st of the following year, lenders must estimate the tax amount and may adjust escrow payments annually based on actual tax bills.

Property owners should verify that their mortgage servicer has the correct tax information and is making timely payments. The Tompkins County Finance Department can be contacted at treasury@tompkins-co.org to confirm payment status. If your lender fails to pay on time, you remain ultimately responsible for the taxes and any penalties, so monitoring your escrow account and tax payment status is essential.

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 Tompkins County for FY 2025? A: Property tax bills are typically mailed after June 1st with a standard due date of March 1st. The Agricultural Land exemption has a different application deadline than the standard March 1st date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Major tax credits include the STAR program for school tax relief, Senior Citizens Exemption, and Veterans Exemption. All require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the local assessor's office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the STAR homeowner credit work? A: The STAR program provides school tax relief for eligible homeowners. You must apply for this credit - it's not automatic. The program can provide significant savings on the school portion of your property tax bill.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Tompkins County? A: Assessment schedules vary by municipality within Tompkins County. Contact your local assessor's office for specific reassessment timelines and procedures for appealing assessments.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the Tompkins County Finance Department for specific penalty structures and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, property tax payments can be completed online. Email treasury@tompkins-co.org for detailed instructions and payment portal access.

Q: Do special district taxes apply to my property? A: Special district taxes vary by location and may include fire districts, water districts, and lighting districts. Your tax bill will itemize any applicable special district assessments based on your property's location.

Q: How do I apply for the Senior Citizens Exemption? A: The Senior Citizens Exemption requires a separate application with specific income and age requirements. Applications must be filed by March 1st (except Agricultural Land exemptions which have different deadlines). Contact your local assessor's office for forms and eligibility requirements.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
September 3, 2024tompkinscountyny.gov
02
2025 Recommended Budgettompkinscountyny.gov
03
Highlights of the 11/19/204 meeting of the Legislaturetompkinscountyny.gov
04
Assessment PR.pubtompkinscountyny.gov
05
County
Tompkins County Department of Assessmenttompkinscountyny.gov
06
Tax Doc
THE PROPERTY TAX CYCLEtompkinscountyny.gov
07
State
Exemptions from Real Property Taxation in New York Statetax.ny.gov
08
Tax Doc
Instructions for Form RP-457 Application for Real Property Tax ...tax.ny.gov
09
Tax Doc
Form RP-421-M-Ins:2/12:Application for Real Property Tax ...tax.ny.gov
10
Tax Doc
Property Taxestompkinscountyny.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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