Will Building a Garage Increase Your Property Taxes?

 

Garages can provide several benefits to homeowners, including convenient vehicle storage, additional living space, and added protection from weather elements such as rain, snow, sun, and wind. However, suppose you're considering building a garage on your property. In that case, it's important to understand how this structure might affect the overall value of your home and how that might affect your property taxes.

Here are some facts to consider regarding whether building a garage will increase your property taxes on Long Island.

Will a Garage Add Value to Your Home?

Not only can building a garage increase the curb appeal of your home, but it can also add value. The addition of a garage can make your property more livable by providing an out-of-the-sun, dry and secure place to store your car and other items. This is why having a garage can also help with resale value — resulting in increased taxes.

What Are Your Town's Regulations?

This question often arises when homeowners are looking to build a garage. Both Nassau County and Suffolk County have certain requirements to meet to begin the building process, let alone how much it will add to your property taxes.

There are other criteria to be aware of, and regulations differ from town to town, so make sure you talk to your town's building department before moving forward with any plans.

So, Will Building a Garage Increase Your Property Taxes?

According to the New York State Tax Department, any additions or improvements to your property will increase its assessed value. For example, if you are building a garage, the assessed value of your property will be updated to reflect the addition. So, unfortunately, the answer is yes.

 

How to Limit The Increase in Taxes as Much as Possible

There are little things to consider when building your garage that might affect how much is increased in your property taxes. Things like avoiding certain materials, keeping it from becoming a living space, the timing of the construction project, and other possible exemptions. Do your research if you'd like to avoid heavy tax burdens!

Not only that, but you also can turn to our team here at P.T.R.C., Inc. to help!

 

Ready to Save Money?

You count on one of the leaders in property tax challenges! For decades, Property Tax Reduction Consultants on Long Island has strived to minimize clients’ property tax assessment with personalized service. Customer service is our number one priority.

Celebrating Halloween on Long Island

 

The spooky season is upon us! And with it comes pumpkin picking, haunted houses, and more — especially on Long Island. Our little island is the perfect spot for all things Halloween. Whether you're in Nassau or Suffolk County, we've got all the best places you need to visit this year before this spooktacular holiday passes.

Here's a full breakdown of where you should celebrate your Halloween this year on Long Island.

 

Family-Friendly Events

The little ones love celebrating Halloween but can't always handle the scary part of it. That is why Long Island has many family-friendly events to choose from this year. From pumpkin picking to costume contests to not-so-scary haunted houses, here are our top picks for families:

• The Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze: Long Island
• Scarecrow Competition at the Ward Melville Heritage Organization
• Spooky Fest at The Center for Science Teaching and Learning
• A Kooky Spooky Halloween at Theatre Three
• Haunted Halloween Family Festival
• Spooky Science Night at the Cradle of Aviation
• Bats, Barnacles, and Broomsticks at the Long Island Aquarium

Spooky Fun

If you're a horror fan, then make your way to all the spooky happenings and parties that are happening throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County. After all, what's the Halloween season without a few scares along the way? Here are some of the most famous haunted houses to visit this year:

• Bayville Scream Park
• Darkside Haunted House
• Darkness Rising
• Gateway Haunted Playhouse
• Restless Souls
• Schmitt’s Farm Haunt
• Spooky Walk

Haunted Spots

Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, it's hard to deny that Long Island has some very old and creepy historical buildings everywhere. From exploring Old Bethpage Village to driving past Kings Park Psychiatric Center, now is the time to get to know all our haunted lore on the island. Of course, do not trespass and do not cause any kind of disruption to historic sites — instead, consider looking into ghost tours.


Here at P.T.R.C., Inc., we are determined to help our clients pay the lowest amount of property tax as required by law. Contact us today to see how we can help you: info@ptrc.com

2022/23 School Tax Bill Information

 

It's that time of the year again — the school tax bills for Nassau County are coming into effect. Use this guide to make sense of the numbers and figures on your Nassau County school tax bill and learn how it's calculated. And don't hesitate to contact our office if you have any additional questions or would like to discuss your reduction options with one of our professionals!

 

Understanding New York Property Taxes

Most taxpayers in New York State receive two tax bills each year: one from the county and one from the school district. The county taxes are figured by multiplying a tax rate by the assessed value of your home, which is determined by its market value. The school taxes are calculated as a percentage of that assessed value.

How Does Your Property Value Affect Your Taxes?

The school tax bill is estimated based on the value of your property and the assessed value of all properties in Nassau County. The more valuable your home, the higher your taxes will be, but if you have a high-value home, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will have to pay a lot more in taxes.

 

What Is The School Tax Bill?

The school tax bill is a type of property tax that goes to the school district in your county. It helps fund public schools, community colleges, libraries, and other county agencies. Your school tax bill depends on how much you owe and what type of home you live in — the higher your income and the more expensive your home, the more you will pay in taxes.

What Are The Possible Exemptions?

Although Nassau County's property taxes are some of the highest in the nation, there are many exemptions for residents to help reduce this burden. The following exemptions are available to Nassau County residents:

• Senior Citizen Exemption: Senior citizens aged 65 or older whose annual income is less than $40,000 receive a tax exemption from the first $40,000 of their yearly income.
• Veteran's Exemption: Any United States veterans living in Nassau County and having been honorably discharged from their service are eligible for a property tax exemption.
• Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers Exemption: Both volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers can take advantage of this property exemption as long as they have volunteered for five years at least.
• Limited Income and Disabilities Exemption: As long as they meet the criteria, residents in Nassau County who are on limited incomes or suffer from disabilities may be eligible for property tax exemption.

When Will This Take Effect?

Make sure you're keeping in mind the Nassau County tax schedule for this year! On October 1st, the county issued the first half of school tax bills. After this, the 2022/23 first half of school tax payments will be due by November 10th, 2022, to the receiver of taxes. Make sure you pay these on time, as you may be subject to penalties due to lateness!

By April 1st, 2022, the second half of the 2022/23 school tax bill will be issued and due by May 10th. Keep an eye out for local announcements from your county on any updates for these.

And if these tax burdens become too much for you, our team is here to help. P.T.R.C., Inc. has been a leader in property tax reduction for years, and we're ready to help lower your Nassau County tax bills!

 

Ready to Save Money?

You count on one of the leaders in property tax challenges! For decades, Property Tax Reduction Consultants on Long Island has strived to minimize clients’ property tax assessment with personalized service. Customer service is our number one priority.

Hurricane Season Home Safety Tips

 

Hurricane season is still here, and keeping your family and home safe during these intense storms should be your top priority. From securing your doors and windows to creating an emergency kit, here are some tips you can use to keep your Long Island home safe for the rest of October and November.

 

Preparing Before The Storm Hits

Preparing your home before a hurricane is the best way to stay safe during the storm. This includes ensuring you have enough food, water, and supplies for your family. It's also important to have your emergency kit stocked with essential supplies. And finally, ensure that you put together an evacuation plan in advance of any major storm and keep it handy in case you need it in a hurry.

Emergency Kit Checklist

One of the most vital parts of preparing for a hurricane or big storm is having an emergency kit together. This checklist will help you stay safe and organized for an emergency:

• Non-perishable food items
• First Aid Kit with emergency medication
• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Battery-powered flashlight
• Emergency radio
• Charged cell phones
• Candles and matches

How to Stay Safe During a Hurricane

During a storm, it's a good idea to move to an interior part of the house and away from windows. Even if your windows are boarded up, it's safer to stay away from anywhere that debris or wind could come flying indoors. On top of that, be ready for the power to go out! Keep your flashlights and candles on hand once the storm hits to avoid any injuries in the dark.

 

After the Storm — What to Do First

After a big storm, your most crucial task is getting in touch with family members and neighbors to ensure everyone is safe. Next, you'll want to assess any damage and begin the cleanup process. After, we have some more tips for getting your home back in order:

• Be careful around downed power lines.
• Keep an eye out for broken glass or nails on the ground.
• If your house is flooded, check for water damage and mold and start cleaning immediately. Mold can grow in as little as 48 hours.
• Make sure to turn off any water valves or main switches if you suspect they are broken. If you have time, it's best to wait for an expert plumber to assess your home before you start working on it.
• Check if any shingles have been broken or ripped off your roof.

Here at P.T.R.C., Inc., we are determined to help our clients pay the lowest amount of property tax as required by law. Contact us today to see how we can help you: info@ptrc.com