Learning to challenge your assessment

Using humor and a bit more honesty than the public usually receives from its government officials, Town of Hempstead Tax Receiver Don Clavin explained how residents can challenge the county’s assessment of their homes at the town’s Community Meeting and Tax Forum at the Hewlett Bay firehouse on March 8.

Clavin noted that the typical period to challenge an assessment — Jan. 3 to March 1 — was extended by the county to April 23. A protest form must be filed with the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission by that date. He also told residents that they don’t need an attorney to challenge their assessment as the lawyers expect to lose and charge for filing the Small claims court filing. Residents can do the work on their own by accessing county information available on Nassau’s website www.nassaucountyny.gov/wps51/portal/AROW. “It’s not that complicated,” Clavin said, as he added that by driving around the neighborhood you live in will give you a good idea of houses comparable to yours. “You have a great opportunity here.”

That great opportunity has been used by Stuart and Rhoda Friedlander of Hewlett for the past three years and they said they have shaved 10 percent off each year they challenged their assessment.

“The problem goes back fifty, sixty years,” said Stuart referring to the out-of-whack assessment system Nassau County uses. “I wish I had the answer.”

Should residents win an assessment reduction it is advised they continue to pay the originally billed taxes until they receive a revised tax bill from the Receiver of Taxes. If residents are denied during the challenge process, they have 30 days to file a Small claims court action, Clavin noted.

“There is nothing wrong with challenging your assessment,” he said.

He also broke down the typical tax bill residents receive saying that approximately 65 percent of their annual property taxes goes to their school district, an estimated 20 percent is designated for the county, about 11 percent is targeted for the town and the remaining portion pays for a special district.

First time forum attendant Lillian Bernstein of Woodmere said she learned a lot from the officials who spoke including Nassau County Legislator Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence) and Councilman Anthony Santino.

“They seem to be listening and helpful,” said Bernstein, who added they she most likely challenge her assessment. “I think I might because those I spoke to said you can be successful.”

For more information concerning assessment information call the Department of Assessment at (516) 571-1500 or visit www.nassaucountyny.govy/agencies/Assessor/index.html.