While 2021 is no longer a “new year,” it’s still a young year, and 2021 has already given us some substantive news relating to the property tax grievance filing process in Nassau County. We monitor these matters very closely here at Maidenbaum, so here’s our take on what homeowners interested in filing property tax grievances should know before going forward.
Grievance Filing Deadline Extended
On January 21, 2021, the Nassau County Executive announced that the Assessment Review Commission (ARC) extended the 2022/23 property tax grievance filing deadline from March 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021, giving homeowners an additional 60 days to file. While this grace period is welcome news for homeowners struggling with the exigencies imposed by COVID-19, it should not be taken as a signal to delay filing such a grievance. In fact, ARC advises that you should file early, given that ARC has been forced to reduce in office staffing levels due to the pandemic, which means that grievances may take longer to be processed than in an ordinary year.
Don’t make the mistake of filing a tax challenge that’s defective, incomplete, or ignores details that may have a profound impact on your property tax bill, including whether proper comps (comparative sales) have actually been used to properly support your assessment. These are just a few reasons why it’s in your best interest to have a “pro” in your corner familiar with all the hurdles and hassles of the filing process, as opposed to filing a tax grievance on your own. That’s why Nassau County’s smartest homeowners choose Maidenbaum to file grievances for them. Should your case go as far as a Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) proceeding, Maidenbaum will represent you and use its years of experience to help achieve the best possible outcome for you.
It’s important not to delay. The fundamental goal is to file a complete, error-free, effective grievance as early as possible so that any delays related to ARC in office staffing or other issues are held to a minimum.
Uncertain Economic Times Ahead
While Nassau County has made much progress in the fight against the pandemic that landed on our shores a year ago, it’s clear that there is much work to be done before life returns to normal. Beyond the fearful toll of lives lost, the pandemic’s economic damage – especially to state and local economies – will take time, and action, to repair.
While a new administration has been installed in Washington with a COVID relief plan to provide $350 billion to states and localities – along with $1,400 direct payments – the effectiveness of this plan remains to be seen. This is all cause for continuing concern because absent significant relief, localities will be forced to choose between raising taxes or reducing essential services. Obviously, neither of these courses of action will be good for Nassau County homeowners.
Maidenbaum’s wish is that – with luck, faith and understanding – a path to genuine economic recovery can quickly be put into place.
We hope you file a property tax grievance for the 2022/23 tax year and that you’ll choose Maidenbaum to represent you. If you’d like to sign up or simply learn more about how the process works, please contact us today via our website or by phone at 516-336-8622.