Why Should You Submit Your Tax Grievance Application Early?

Property Tax Reduction Consultants

125 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 500 
Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 484-0654 or (631) 484-0654

Although the deadline to file a tax grievance isn't until March of 2017 for Nassau County homeowners and May of 2017 for Suffolk County homeowners, we can't stress enough to our readers how important it is to get your application in as soon as possible. 

In case you aren't familiar with the specifics of the grievance process, in Nassau County it can take anywhere from 18-24 months from start to finish, and in Suffolk County, it can take anywhere from 12-18 months from start to finish - this is why it is so important to get your applications in not just on time, but in advance of the deadline.

Now, let's go over the grievance process in more detail:

1. Step 1 would be to submit your signed application to us. This you can do directly online, by fax/email or through direct mail.
2. Next, we'll send you a confirmation once we receive your application and let you know that you're eligible to file for a tax grievance.
3. Step 3 falls on us - P.T.R.C. Inc. will represent you before the Board of Assessment Review (BAR) in Suffolk County or the Assessment Review Commission (ARC) in Nassau County.
4. Depending on the outcome from step 3, our team will either accept the reduction or we'll move forward to Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR). Note: SCAR is the ONLY way to get a reduction if the request is first denied at the board level, and a $30 court filing fee is required in order for SCAR to purchase an index number, which is essential in order for your case to be heard.
5. Our team will purchase the index number for you and complete all paperwork. After all has been filed, the Supreme Court will schedule a hearing. Keep in mind this could take a few months since there are a ton of SCAR appeals being filed.
6. At this point, we will get to work on preparing documents such as a Comparable Market Analysis that will be used as part of your appeal.
7. P.T.R.C. Inc. appears on your behalf to present all of the findings and evidence that shows you should be eligible for a reduction.

For successful cases, your reduction can come in a few different ways. For example, it may be directly reflected on your tax bill so that you pay the lower amount upfront, or, a refund check may be issued to you if you have already overpaid (this all depends on the timing of your hearing and the decision, as well as a few other factors). Lastly, you may see a partial adjustment on your bill and also receive a partial refund. 

Remember - if you file this year but do not receive a reduction, you can always file again next year. Same goes for successful cases as well - you can submit another application next year to try and reduce your property taxes even more!

If you have any questions about the grievance process, please give us a call at (516)/(631) 484-0654 or email info@ptrc.com. We look forward to working with you!