September is a time of returning — to school, perhaps to a busy job, and to an accelerated pace of life. For Nassau County homeowners, September is also a time of action — September 1st is the first day that residents can grieve their residential property tax assessments (and we highly recommend that you let Maidenbaum handle your own tax matter). Don’t wait: it’s always best to get your tax challenge in earlier than later!
So, why is filing a property tax grievance of paramount importance right now? There are a bunch of reasons:
1. Things Aren’t Getting More Affordable
While inflation has moderated somewhat since its peak a few months ago, prices for everyday staples continue to rise at rates that can be painful. As Stony Brook University economist John A. Rizzo recently told Newsday, “fuel and housing inflation remain high on Long Island despite the overall modest rise in inflation.” Spikes in food prices are especially troubling; on a national basis, they are 21 percent higher than they were in 2021.
The cost of home insurance coverage – another important component in the total cost of home ownership – is also rising at alarming rates. According to the New York Times, “the typical U.S. household paid $2,530 in home insurance premiums (in 2023), which was 33 percent more than in 2020. That’s a bigger jump than inflation, which increased prices across the economy by 19 percent over the same period.” Unfortunately, this trend is likely to continue as insurers face mounting losses from climate change-related damage claims. All of these troubling inflationary trends mean that Nassau County residents need to spend their hard-earned money wisely.
2. Home Prices (and Property Tax Assessments) Are High and Likely to Remain So
According to real estate site Redfin, the median home sale price topped $780,000 in July of 2024, rising a whopping 9.3 percent over the same period in 2023. Single-family homes’ median sale prices were $803,500 (a 10.4 percent YOY increase), with sale prices for condos rising more slowly (1.2 percent YOY). While it may be tempting for homeowners to bask in the feeling that they are receiving a windfall from these rising values, the downside is that property tax assessments may track these increases at some point in the future, resulting in elevated property tax bills. That’s yet another compelling reason for residents to make sure they are not overpaying on their property taxes (and grieving one’s assessment is an effective way to make sure this doesn’t happen).
3. There is No Downside to Filing a Property Tax Grievance
While it’s true that in some U.S. states, filing a property tax grievance may result in an increased assessment; that’s not the case in New York State. In fact, Nassau County’s official website specifically states that “The Assessment Review Commission will never increase the assessment,” which means that your decision to grieve your property taxes has zero risk associated with it. There are only two possible results of filing a Nassau County tax grievance: your assessment will be reduced or it will remain the same.
4. Your Success is Our Success
Maidenbaum’s team of property tax grievance specialists have successfully helped Nassau County taxpayers maintain a fair property tax assessment of their homes for 35 years. Our successful challenges have resulted in millions of dollars of property tax savings for our clients, and our experience, expertise, proven record and ever-growing client base distinguish us from competitors. We know it will be a smart move for you to choose Maidenbaum to represent you for the 2026/27 tax year. 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. Don’t miss out on your chance to save!