New York ranks 9th-highest in the country for property tax rates. Property tax trends don’t show these numbers dropping, but there are ways to decrease tax liability. Residents in Huntington in Suffolk County or Garden City in Nassau County can file a Long Island property tax grievance objecting to their home's assessed value.
Key Takeaways
A property tax grievance allows you to request a lower assessed value for your home to reduce the taxes you owe on it.
Long Island property tax grievance applications differ by county and are due on April 1 in Nassau and on the
If an informal appeal doesn't work, you can file a formal appeal to present evidence that your property's assessed value should be lower.
Understanding Property Tax Grievances on Long Island
A Long Island property tax grievance formally challenges your assessed value. You can argue your property is over-assessed (value too high) or unequally assessed (unfair vs. similar homes). Exemptions (e.g., New York STAR Credit) also affect your taxable amount.
Homeowners can file a grievance for the current year only; it cannot be applied retroactively to prior assessments. However, there may be other tax relief options you can apply for retroactively. For example, Ownwell can help homeowners apply for homestead exemptions for that year and for up to 2 years retroactively in many U.S. states.
Procedures for filing a tax grievance in Long Island depend on where you live:
A Suffolk County tax grievance starts when you file a grievance with the Town Boards of Assessment Review (BAR), refuting your property's value.
A Nassau County tax grievance relies on an informal request to the Assessment Review Commission (ARC).
In all counties, the Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) is available if you need to dispute further because your claim with ARC is denied. Check out our guide to Nassau County property taxes to learn more.
When Is the Property Tax Grievance Deadline on Long Island?
In Nassau County, the deadline to apply is March 2, 2026. In Suffolk County, the deadline is the third Tuesday in May.
If you miss the deadline, you’re unable to file a grievance for that year, and tax bill payments come due at the regular time.
County | Who reviews | Typical form | 2026 Grievance Deadline | What happens next | Final assessment due |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nassau | ARC (county) | AR-1 (ARC online) | March 2, 2026, but likely to be extended to April 1, 2026 | ARC issues determination; if unsatisfied, you can pursue SCAR | July 31st |
Suffolk | Town BAR | RP-524 | Third Tuesday in May (May 19, 2026) | BAR decision; if unsatisfied, file SCAR with the County Clerk | First half due October 1, second half due January 1 |
What's the Difference Between Formal vs. Informal Appeals?
Nassau (ARC): Our “informal” is essentially the ARC application/review (file AR-1). ARC may adjust without a hearing or invite more evidence. If you’re still unhappy, you can go to SCAR.
Suffolk (Towns): You file RP-524 with your town assessor before Grievance Day; the BAR hears your case on the third Tuesday in May. If denied or unsatisfactory, pursue SCAR.
SCAR basics: File within about 30 days of the final assessment roll; there’s a modest filing fee, and it’s designed for homeowners.
What Are the Steps for Filing a Grievance?
There are four basic steps to filing property tax appeals in Long Island. These apply to residential and commercial tax appeals.
1. Determine Your Grounds for Grievance
What evidence do you have that your property’s actual market value is lower than the town's assessment? This could be changes in local property values, comparable properties that sold for less, data errors, or property damage that reduces the assessed value.
2. Collect Your Evidence
Ensure the evidence is strong and supports your claim. A professional appraisal is often a good idea because it's seen as more reliable.
Comparable sales (adjusted for beds/baths, condition, lot, school district lines).
Condition proofs: photos + contractor estimates for roof, foundation, flood, deferred maintenance.
Income data (for rentals).
Use the official RP-524 instructions as your checklist—even if you’re in Nassau, the evidence standards are similar.
3. Complete the Grievance Application
Nassau: File AR-1 with ARC online during the filing window (extended to March 2, 2026 for 2026–27).
Suffolk: File RP-524 with your town before Grievance Day (third Tuesday in May). The town BAR hears cases that day.
4. File by the Deadline
The deadlines for filing a property tax grievance in Long Island are strict. Late applications are not accepted. Confirm the county's deadline on Suffolk's TBAR or Nassau County ARC's website, and request proof that your application was received.
5. Appear and Negotiate
Nassau: ARC may make a settlement offer; review the comps they used and counter with your stronger set if needed.
Suffolk: Bring printed, organized packets to the BAR; keep your presentation concise and tied to data.
6. Escalate to SCAR if Needed
If ARC/BAR doesn’t deliver relief, file SCAR within ~30 days after the final roll (watch the notice).
FAQs:
When is the Long Island property tax grievance deadline?
Nassau: March 2, 2026 extension for the 2026-27 year.
Suffolk: the third Tuesday in May (May 19, 2026). Always verify your current year.
Do I use the same form in both counties?
No. Nassau uses ARC (AR-1); Suffolk towns use RP-524 filed before Grievance Day.
What if my grievance is denied?
You can file SCAR (Small Claims Assessment Review) within ~30 days of the final assessment roll.
Can I grieve last year’s assessment?
Generally, grievances apply only to the current roll. Prepare early for the next cycle and confirm exemptions like STAR.
Is an appraisal required?
Not required, but very persuasive. You can also win with strong comps + condition evidence following RP-524 guidance.
What’s the fastest way to check Nassau data and comps?
Use Nassau’s Land Records Viewer (assessments, maps, photos, prior taxes, comparable sales).
When To Get Help And What To Expect
If you're filing a property tax grievance in Long Island but don’t have time to compile evidence, need help calculating property taxes, or plan to escalate to judicial review, turn to professionals. When choosing the best property tax grievance company in Long Island, be sure to ask for the fee structure, upfront costs, track record, and communication process.
At Ownwell, get access to local tax experts. We charge nothing up front and collect a contingency fee only if your application is successful. Get started estimating your savings and save today.
