It’s Fall in Nassau County. The leaves are changing, the holidays are approaching, and something considerably less cheerful has likely arrived in your mailbox: your 2026/27 school property tax bill.
If the amount is higher than you expected, you’re certainly not alone. School taxes represent the largest portion of the property tax burden for most Nassau County homeowners, and even a relatively modest increase can put a strain on the household budget.
But before you put that bill aside (or start worrying about how you’re going to pay it), there are a few important things you should do.
Here’s your step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Check Your Nassau County Property Tax Bill for Accuracy
Start with the basics. Look over your bill carefully and confirm that the property address, tax year, assessed value, and any exemptions are correct.
Remember, your property taxes are influenced by several factors, including your property’s assessed value, your school district’s tax levy, applicable tax rates, and any exemptions you receive.
You can look up your property’s assessment information through Nassau County’s online property records.
One important point: An increase in your tax bill doesn’t necessarily mean your property’s assessment has increased. Tax rates and other factors can change even when your assessment remains the same.
Step 2: Mark November 10, 2026 on Your Calendar
Your October bill covers the first half of your 2026/27 school taxes. The deadline to pay without penalty is November 10, 2026.
If your mortgage company collects property taxes through an escrow account, confirm that it will make the payment on time. Otherwise, check with your town’s Receiver of Taxes about available payment options.
Here’s a potential money-saving tip: If you live in the Town of Hempstead, you may qualify for a 1% discount on the second-half school tax installment by paying both installments by November 10. Check with the Receiver of Taxes for the applicable requirements.
Can I wait to pay my Nassau County property taxes while I challenge my assessment?
No. Filing a property tax grievance doesn’t suspend your obligation to pay taxes when they’re due. Even if you believe your assessment is too high, make sure your bill is paid on time.
Step 3: Make Sure You’re Receiving Every Property Tax Exemption You Deserve
This is one of the simplest ways to avoid paying more than necessary.
Nassau County homeowners may qualify for property tax relief through several programs:
- STAR (School Tax Relief): Available to eligible homeowners for their primary residences, either through a credit or an existing exemption.
- Enhanced STAR: Additional school tax relief for qualifying senior homeowners.
- Senior Citizens Exemption: Potential savings for eligible seniors who meet income and other requirements.
- Veterans Exemptions: Property tax benefits for qualifying veterans.
- Other exemptions: Programs may also be available for homeowners with disabilities and qualifying volunteer firefighters or ambulance workers.
Visit Nassau County’s exemption applications page to learn more.
Remember, not every tax benefit appears directly on your bill. For example, homeowners receiving the STAR credit generally receive that benefit separately.
Step 4: Ask Yourself: Am I Paying More Property Tax Than I Should?
Here’s a question every Nassau County homeowner should consider.
Even if your tax bill is technically correct, that doesn’t necessarily mean your property’s assessed value is fair.
An assessment that overstates your home’s value can contribute to a higher property tax burden than you should be paying. That’s why challenging your assessment can be an important part of managing your homeownership costs.
Can I challenge my Nassau County property tax bill after I receive it?
You generally cannot use the assessment grievance process to change the bill that just arrived. That bill is based on an assessment established earlier.
However, you can take action now to pursue a reduction in your future property taxes.
And that’s where Maidenbaum comes in.
Step 5: Get a Head Start on Your Next Nassau County Property Tax Grievance
The next Nassau County assessment grievance cycle is for the 2028/29 tax year. But here’s the good news: Maidenbaum is already accepting authorizations from homeowners who want to challenge their assessments for 2028/29.
By getting started now, you can have your property assessment reviewed and be prepared well before the filing deadline, which is currently March 1, 2027.
Maidenbaum has been helping Nassau County homeowners challenge their property tax assessments for more than 35 years.
Our team reviews your property’s assessment, evaluates whether a reduction may be warranted, and handles the grievance process on your behalf. We also keep clients informed through our convenient online portal.
You don’t have to figure out Nassau County’s property tax grievance process on your own.
Your Tax Bill Has Arrived. Make It a Reason to Take Action.
Nobody looks forward to opening a property tax bill. But receiving yours can be a useful reminder to take control of your property taxes.
Review the numbers. Check your exemptions. Pay on time. And, most importantly, consider whether your property’s assessment deserves a closer look.
At Maidenbaum, we’re ready to help you take that next step. Our fee is based on the savings we achieve, so if we don’t obtain a reduction, you won’t owe us a fee for our services, subject to any applicable court filing costs.
Now is the time to think about reducing your property taxes. Contact Maidenbaum today or call 516-336-8622 to get started with your 2028/29 property tax grievance.