What is a Property Tax Grievance?

Long Island has some of the highest property taxes in the United States. Much of these property taxes are used to fund the local schools which can be a significant factor in determining the value of a home. This makes the higher property taxes that you pay someone of an investment in the desirability of your local community and a contributor to your home value. However, there are several different ways that you can reduce your property tax burden.

Make Sure You Apply for STAR 

The STAR credit is given to homeowners in Long Island and can lower your taxes. If you have never applied for the credit or have just bought your home, you will need to apply for the credit which is a quick and easy process. Spend some time reviewing your application for this credit and be sure to apply for STAR if you have not.

Manage Your Home and Property 

Certain home improvements can greatly increase the property taxes charged on your home. For example, a pool will greatly increase your property taxes as will any sort of home expansion. If you are looking to manage the property taxes that you pay, be sure to consider increases in your property taxes due to any major work that you have done on your home.

File a Property Tax Grievance 

While all homeowners will pay some portion of property taxes, the actual amount will range widely based on the size of your home. Sometimes, however, the amount charged is not equitably divided to the varying homes in any Long Island town and some homeowners spend more than is their fair share.

To address the risk for this, homeowner’s, or their representatives, can file a property tax grievance to lower their property tax share. A property tax grievance will commonly identify some adjust calculation of a home value and use a number of factors as evidence of this unjust allocation of the property tax burden including comparables to similar nearby homes, property assessments and valuations of a home by an appraiser, and a review of the home in the government database for inaccuracies.

A property tax grievance shouldn’t be filed by a homeowner without the help of a professional. Professionals like Property Tax Reduction Consultants (PTRC) have the available information to lobby for a tax reduction. They also have contacts to communicate the tax grievance and make sure the complaint is addressed quickly and hopefully in your favor. Contact PTRC on their website or at 516-484-0654 and lower your Long Island property tax bills.

October Events in Long Island

Long Island is a beautiful place to be and for many, the fall months mean great opportunities for events that the whole family can enjoy. However, not everyone knows what there is to do or where they can find some of the most exciting events.

Because we know that families need to have some fun when not worrying about property taxes, we encourage you to learn about some of the events that are happening and how you can enjoy them. Here are some of the best things you can do in Long Island this October.

37th Annual Montauk Fall Family Festival

The 37th Annual Montauk Fall Family Festival will kick off on Saturday, October 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. at The Montauk Green with a wide array of things for you and your family to do. Enjoy live music, Long Island beers and wines, foods with an Oktoberfest theme, street painting, inflatable rides, and more.

There’s even a free 30-horse carousel and a Farmer’s market.

Haunted Hatchery

The Haunted Hatchery will take place on Saturday, October 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium. The not-so-scary event welcomes all families ($6 for adults and $4 for kids) to come out and trick-or-treat through the Hatchery and Aquarium.

Long Island Fall Festival

Between October 5 and October 8, the Long Island Fall Festival will take place at Heckscher Park. This event is a true celebration of community spirit and offers four entertainment stages, a fully equipped carnival, arts and craft vendors, food and drinks, and more. Admission to the public is entirely free.

Scarecrow Competition

Going on throughout the entire month at the Stony Brook Village Center, there will be more than 30 scarecrows on display with individuals voting for their favorite! It’s 30+ different organizations coming together to create a display for the public.

Be sure to take full advantage of everything that Long Island has to offer and enjoy some of the events that will be taking place the month of October.

Last Minute Summer Things to Do!

Summer is coming to a close, which is a sad thing to accept. No one wants the long sunny days to ever end. The warm temperatures are going to slowly turn into cool breezes. It’s going to get darker outside sooner and before we all know it, the big holidays will all be here.

It’s not too late to grasp at the last remaining days of summertime fun! Don’t wait, use this list and check each of them off before summer of 2018 is gone forever!

Find a Local Swimming Spot

It may not be blistering hot outside as much as it was a few weeks ago, but going for a swim is still possible! Find a local pool, river, creek, and go for a swim. Stretch out in the water and wade through an afternoon with friends and family.

Take a Small Road Trip

There are places within a day’s drive of Long Island that you can make if you want. Mystic Seaport is only a couple hours away. A museum filled with extraordinary pieces of nautical artifacts, along with fine art, film, and video. Philadelphia is about an hour and 45-minute drive also. Visit local shops and get yourself a Philly cheesesteak. Take to the road and explore nearby treasures before the snow hits!

Go to a State Park

State parks surround the state of New York. With your road trip, perhaps visit a state park. Find a place to bike, hike, picnic, grab a camera and take photos, go swimming in a natural spring, if you’re into it go caving, geocaching, rock climbing, or stargazing.

Hit The Beach

If you can, brave the waters. It isn’t as hot as it once was outside, but the ocean awaits! Don’t forget the sunscreen, maybe go out and sunbathe for the day.  

Camping

Camping can be done in all seasons, but nothing beats a summer night camping experience. Sitting in the moonlight by a firepit is one of the best experiences ever. Feeling connected with nature is one of the most calming experiences to have. Decrease your stress and go camping for a few days.

Visit School Locations

Have any highschoolers? It’s time to go scouting for school locations! Take a trip to potential schools and go on some tours. Take a look around the campus or get a tour.