Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Monroe County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Monroe County

In Monroe County, property taxes are determined by two primary factors: the assessed value of your property and the local tax rates (often referred to as millage or tax rates). Each year, local assessors determine the market value of properties within their jurisdiction. Once the total assessed value for a municipality is established, local governments—including county, town, city, and school districts—set their budgets. The tax rate is calculated by dividing the total budget required by the sum of all taxable assessed values in that area. To find your specific tax obligation, the assessed value is multiplied by the combined tax rate of your school district, town, and county, then divided by 1,000.

Available Exemptions

New York State offers several exemptions to help reduce the tax burden for eligible homeowners. These exemptions are deducted from your property’s assessed value before taxes are calculated. Common exemptions include:

• STAR (School Tax Relief): Available to eligible homeowners for their primary residence. The Basic STAR exemption is for households earning under $500,000, while the Enhanced STAR provides larger savings for seniors (age 65+) with qualifying incomes.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Available to homeowners aged 65 or older who meet specific income requirements set by the local municipality.
• Disability Exemption: For homeowners with documented disabilities who meet income limitations.
• Veterans Exemptions: Various exemptions are available for honorably discharged veterans, including those who served during wartime or received expeditionary medals, with additional provisions for those with service-connected disabilities.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax collection in Monroe County generally follows a specific cycle, though dates can vary slightly by municipality. Typically, county and town taxes are due in January. Many jurisdictions offer the option to pay in installments, provided the first payment is made by the initial deadline. It is critical to review your tax bill for specific due dates, as failure to pay on time results in the accrual of interest and penalties. In New York, these penalties increase monthly. If taxes remain unpaid for an extended period, the county may initiate tax foreclosure proceedings to recover the delinquent funds.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over-assessed, you have the right to challenge it. The process begins by discussing the assessment with your local assessor during the "informal review" period. If you remain dissatisfied, you may file a formal complaint with the Board of Assessment Review (BAR) on Grievance Day, which typically occurs in late May or early June. You must provide evidence to support your claim, such as comparable sales data (comps) or a recent independent appraisal. If the BAR denies your grievance, you may further appeal through Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) or a tax certiorari proceeding in Supreme Court.