Q: When are Yates County property taxes due for the 2024-2025 tax year?
A: Town taxes are collected from January 1st through March 31st by local town tax collectors. County taxes are collected by the County Treasurer starting April 1st and continuing through the remainder of the year.
Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications?
A: The STAR program provides school tax relief and requires application. Senior Citizens Tax Exemptions are available for property owners 65 and older on their primary residence, but applications are required. Veterans exemptions are available for qualifying service members. All credits and exemptions require separate applications and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.
Q: How does the Homestead exemption work in New York?
A: New York's property tax system includes various exemptions that reduce assessed value rather than providing direct tax credits. These typically limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value, and applications must be filed with the local assessor's office by the specified deadline, usually March 1st.
Q: How often are properties reassessed in Yates County?
A: Assessment schedules vary by municipality within Yates County. Property owners receive assessment notices annually and can review current and prior assessment roll data. Contact the Real Property Office during business hours for specific information about your property's assessment history.
Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments?
A: Late payment penalties vary depending on whether you're paying town taxes (January-March) or county taxes (April onward). Contact the appropriate tax collector for specific penalty rates and interest charges that apply to delinquent payments.
Q: Can I pay my property taxes online?
A: Payment options vary between town tax collectors and the County Treasurer. Check with your specific town tax collector for January-March payments and the Yates County Treasurer's office for county tax payment options starting in April.
Q: Why do I have additional charges beyond basic county and town taxes?
A: Properties may be subject to special district taxes for services like fire protection, ambulance service, water districts, or lighting districts. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and rates vary significantly by location and services provided to your property.
Q: How do I appeal my property assessment?
A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the local Board of Assessment Review during the specified grievance period, typically in May. Contact the Real Property Office for current forms, deadlines, and procedures for filing an assessment grievance in your municipality.
