Mike Franklin The Property Tax Guy owner Grievance advocate by Michael R Franklin 315-876-2262

Stuff you might not know:

1) People often complain that property taxes are high in New York vs other states. This is true. In general. But not true in all cases. Actually the tax rate can vary greatly from town to town. For example the tax rate in Syracuse is more than double what it is in Clayton. My suggestion is to do the math before making judgments. Also compare the over-all cost of ownership and living.

2) People often mistake a high assessment with high taxes. People sometimes think if their assessment is higher the town and school get more money. They don't. It is the same. The assessment merely establishes your percentage of the tax burden. If it is high, it means you are paying for your neighbors taxes. If it is low, your neighbors are paying for yours. That's why it is important to get the assessment right so that everyone is treated fairly.

3) People sometimes think the Assessor can control the revenue the town or school district get by raising assessments. This is not true. The budget is approved by voters. What the Assessor can do however is influence who gets exemptions, be it non-profit status or various exemptions such as Agricultural. I've seen a property assessed at over $5,000,000 pay less than $25,000 in property taxes. That is .5% in a town where the rate is 3.5%. This means the neighbors are subsidizing ~$175,000 of this property tax. What that means is if you have a $300,000 home in that town, you are subsidizing that persons taxes approximately $80 per year.

4) A large problem in Syracuse, for example, is that a huge percentage of the properties in the city are exempt. I don't have the exact figures, but I understand that as many as half the properties in the city are exempt. If I am wrong about this I would like someone to correct me. That means that people who are paying taxes are paying the taxes for people who don't. I wont single anyone out here, but many non-profits pay no property taxes, but their executives get paid nice salaries. Is that really non-profit? If you are tired of paying other peoples taxes, the laws need to be changed. It isnt the Assessors fault. Though there are things an Assessor can do if permitted by their municipality or the state.