Some examples of real property are houses, gas stations, office buildings, vacant land, shopping centers, condominiums, and restaurants. The assessor is continually communicating with the public, answering questions, and dealing with concerns raised by taxpayers. However, between Taxable Status Day and Grievance Day , it should be done by appointment. It is up to individual property owners to monitor their own assessments. Taxpayers who feel they are not being fairly assessed should meet with their assessor before the tentative assessment roll is established in an informal setting the assessor can explain how the assessment was determined and the rationale behind it.
Assessors are interested only in fairly assessing property in their assessing unit.
If your assessment is correct and your tax bill still seems too high, the assessor cannot change that. Complaints to the assessor must deal only with the assessment of the property. Informal meetings with assessors to resolve assessment questions about the next assessment roll can take place throughout the year. If, after speaking with your assessor, you still feel you are unfairly assessed, ask for the booklet, How to File a Complaint on Your Assessment . Additionally, the NYS Assessor's Association publishes a pamphlet titled Understanding Assessments and Property Taxes , which is also available in the Assessor's office.