Grievance
Grievance Day is set by the Office of Real Property Services of the State of New York as the 4th Tuesday of May.
In 2027, Grievance Day will be May 25th from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. by appointment only.
Please call (518)371-7410 ext. 2242 by Friday May 21st at 4 p.m. to schedule a time.
Stipulation to an Assessment Reduction
Prior to Grievance Day, you may ask to schedule a meeting with the Assessor to discuss your assessment and show your documentation proving why you think the value should be reduced. The assessor may agree to a Stipulation. If you enter a stipulation, you may not ask the Board of assessment review for a further reduction in your assessment. If the agreed upon assessment appears on the final assessment roll (published July 1), you will not be allowed to seek a lower assessment through judicial review.
WE HIGHLY ENCOURAGE MEETING PRIOR TO GRIEVANCE DAY AS MANY ISSUES CAN BE RESOLVED IN OFFICE WITHOUT WAITING FOR GRIEVANCE DAY.
Who has the right to file an appeal?
Any person who pays property taxes can grieve an assessment including:
- Property owners.
- Purchasers (own on Grievance Day - provide a copy of the filed deed).
- Tenants who are required to pay taxes pursuant to a lease or written agreement (such agreement is required with your application)
Formal Grievance
The Board of Assessment Review (BAR) consists of 3-5 residents appointed by the Town Board. Assessors are required to attend all formal hearings of the board and have the right to be heard on any complaint.
You have the right to attend the hearing at the BAR and to present statements and/or documentation in support of your grievance. You may appear personally, with or without your attorney or other representative. If you choose to be represented by your attorney or other representative, you must authorize that person to appear on your behalf (see Part Four of Form RP-524). Attendance before the board is not required.
To qualify for a reduced assessment, you will need to prove to the satisfaction of the BAR that your property is currently over-assessed. For homeowners and owners of most residential properties, the best way to support your case is by providing sales of comparable properties where the sales prices are lower than the assessor's estimated market value of your property. All supporting documentation for your case should be included with your form when it is submitted.
If you would like to compare your properties full market value and assessment with similar homes (location, age, style, square footage), please visit: https://saratogacounty.prosgar.com/
Notification of the BAR's Decision
You will receive a notice of the board's determination at the end of June.