Feeling the Sting of a Property Reassessment? Here’s How to Appeal Your Property Taxes on Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk)

If you opened your latest property tax bill and nearly spilled your coffee, you’re not alone. Many Long Island homeowners are seeing reassessments that can lead to higher property taxes, and let’s be real—nobody wants to pay more than they have to.

The good news? You can appeal. If you think your home has been overvalued, filing a grievance could lower your assessment and reduce your tax bill.

Here’s what you need to know to navigate the process in both Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Why Did Your Property Taxes Go Up?

Both Nassau and Suffolk Counties reassess property values regularly. If your home’s assessed value increases, your taxes can go up—even if the tax rate stays the same.

But here’s the problem: Assessments aren’t always accurate. Some homes end up overvalued, which means you could be paying more than your fair share.

That’s why filing a tax grievance is so important.

Can You Appeal Your Property Taxes?

Short answer: Yes. If you think your home is over-assessed, you have the right to file a grievance. A successful appeal could lower your assessed value and reduce your tax bill. The key is knowing how and when to file in your county.

How to Appeal Your Property Taxes in Nassau County

1. Check Your Property’s Assessment

• Visit the Nassau County Department of Assessment website to look up your home’s assessed value.
• Compare it to similar homes in your area—if it’s too high, you might have a case.

2. File a Grievance

• Submit an appeal through the Assessment Review Commission (ARC) website.
• Deadline to file: April 1st, 2025.

3. Gather Your Evidence

✅ Recent sale prices of comparable homes – If similar homes sold for less, you have a strong argument.
✅ Professional property appraisals – A certified appraisal can back up your claim.
✅ Photos of property issues – If your home has major repairs needed (roof, foundation, etc.), use that as evidence.

4. Consider Hiring a Tax Grievance Service

If you don’t want to handle this yourself, many homeowners hire a tax grievance service or a real estate attorney.

Most work on a contingency basis—meaning you only pay if they win.

5. Wait for a Decision (and What to Do If You’re Denied)

• The ARC will review your appeal and notify you of their decision.
• If they approve it, your assessed value is lowered, and your tax bill decreases.
• If they deny it, you can escalate the case to the Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) for another shot.

How to Appeal Your Property Taxes in Suffolk County

Suffolk County’s process is a little different from Nassau’s because it depends on your township. But the general steps remain the same.

1. Check Your Property’s Assessment

• Each town in Suffolk County has its own assessment department.
• Find your assessed value by checking your town’s Assessor’s Office website:
  • Babylon
  • Brookhaven
  • Huntington
  • Islip
  • Smithtown
  • Southampton
  • East Hampton
  • Riverhead
  • Southold

2. File a Grievance

• Unlike Nassau County, each town in Suffolk has its own filing process.
• You need to submit Form RP-524, which can be found on the New York State Tax website.
• Deadline to file: Typically the third Tuesday in May (but check with your town).

3. Provide Supporting Evidence

The same proof works in Suffolk as it does in Nassau:
✅ Recent sales of comparable homes
✅ Appraisals
✅ Photos of property defects

4. Consider Hiring a Professional

Many Suffolk County homeowners use tax grievance services or attorneys to handle appeals.

Since each town has different requirements, having a pro handle it for you can save time and hassle.

5. What Happens Next?

• If your grievance is approved, your property assessment is lowered, and you’ll pay less in taxes.
• If denied, you can appeal further through Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR).

Final Thoughts: Don’t Overpay on Property Taxes!

Long Island property taxes are no joke, but you don’t have to accept an unfair assessment.

If you think your home is overvalued, take action:
✅ Check your assessed value.
✅ File a grievance by the deadline.
✅ Provide evidence to support your appeal.
✅ Consider working with a professional if needed.

I’ve helped plenty of Nassau and Suffolk County homeowners navigate this process, and I can connect you with experts who specialize in tax appeals.

Thinking about selling? Or just curious what your home is worth? Let’s chat—I’d be happy to help.

Here are some additional AI Real Estate tools that are very useful:

Instant property value and hyper-local market trends: MyLIHousePrice.com.

Go to SearchMYLIMLS.com for the newest homes to hit the market in Long Island.

For local real estate update: Long Island Market Trends