Long Island homeowners are challenging their property tax assessments at nearly three times the national rate, according to our recent survey.
The findings also reveal a property tax system under scrutiny, where filing a grievance has become the norm rather than the exception.
Our survey of 164 property owners across Nassau and Suffolk Counties found that 62% have filed a property tax grievance — compared to just 22% nationally. |
This stark difference suggests that Long Island's property tax system has created an environment where homeowners feel compelled to appeal simply to avoid overpaying.
Noteworthy Findings:
High grievance rates: 62% of Long Island homeowners have filed a property tax grievance, nearly triple the national rate of 22%.
Broken system consensus: Three in four (75%) Long Island homeowners believe their county's property tax system is either inaccurate and outdated or somewhat accurate but inefficient.
Affordability crisis: 63% of homeowners are highly concerned about the long-term affordability of owning a home on Long Island due to property tax increases, with 95% expressing at least some concern.
Knowledge gaps persist: Among the 39% who have never filed a tax grievance, 41% weren't aware they could file one, and 13% found the process too confusing.
System penalizes non-filers: 93% agree that the property tax system negatively affects homeowners who don't file grievances.
The Grievance Economy: When Filing Becomes the Norm
Long Island's property tax landscape differs dramatically from the rest of the country. While nationally, only about one in five homeowners has filed a property tax appeal, on Long Island, it's three in five.
This high grievance rate reflects more than just savvy homeowners — it signals systemic issues with how the two counties assess properties.
When the majority of property owners feel compelled to challenge their assessments, the question becomes whether the initial valuations serve their intended purpose. Informed homeowners get tax relief, while others, often with fewer resources, subsidize these savings through higher taxes.
A Crisis of Confidence in the Assessment System
Many Long Island homeowners have lost faith in the accuracy of their property tax systems. When asked about their opinion of their county's property tax process, 43% of respondents say it’s inaccurate and outdated, while 34% believe it’s accurate but inefficient.
This skepticism crosses county lines and affects homeowners throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The lack of confidence isn't just about perception — it's reflected in behavior.
The fact that nearly two-thirds of homeowners have felt the need to challenge their assessments suggests a need for greater clarity and improved communication within the assessment process.
The Hidden Cost of Not Appealing
The survey reveals a near-unanimous consensus on one of the most troubling aspects of Long Island's property tax system: 93% of homeowners agree that it negatively affects those who don't file grievances.
When a significant portion of property owners successfully appeal their assessments, the tax burden doesn't disappear; it shifts to those who didn't appeal.
This means homeowners who trust their initial assessments, lack awareness of their appeal rights, or find the process too daunting end up paying disproportionately high tax bills.
"The data reveals a troubling pattern where homeowners feel they must appeal simply to avoid being penalized," said Colton Pace, Founder and CEO of Ownwell.
This isn't how a fair property tax system should function. Homeowners shouldn't need legal teams or insider knowledge to pay their fair share. When 93% of residents agree that non-filers are negatively affected, that's not a functioning system; that's a system that needs reform. — Colton Pace, Founder and CEO of Ownwell
Affordability Concerns Reach Crisis Levels
Property taxes significantly threaten the long-term affordability of homeownership on Long Island. The survey found 95% express at least some level of concern.
These concerns reflect real financial pressure on Long Island families. Nassau County's median annual property tax bill is $3,634, while Suffolk County homeowners pay a median of $10,400 annually — both significantly higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
With some of the highest property tax bills in the nation, homeowners are increasingly questioning whether they can afford to live in their communities.
Why Nearly 4 in 10 Homeowners Haven't Filed
Despite the high overall grievance rate, 39% of Long Island homeowners have never filed a property tax grievance.
Their reasons reveal important barriers to participation:
1. Lack of awareness (35%)
The largest group simply didn't know they had the right to challenge their assessment. This knowledge gap means thousands of homeowners may be overpaying merely because they're unaware of their options.
2. Qualification uncertainty (43%)
Many homeowners assume they wouldn't qualify for a reduction, even though overassessments and errors occur across all property values and locations.
3. Process confusion (16%)
The grievance process can appear complex and intimidating, discouraging homeowners from even attempting to file.
4. Distrust of grievance firms (6%)
Some homeowners are reluctant to work with third-party companies, preferring to either handle appeals themselves or not file at all.
These barriers are particularly concerning given that 93% of homeowners believe non-filers are penalized by the current property tax system. A lack of awareness or understanding of the appeal process is potentially costing homeowners thousands of dollars annually.
Don't Overpay on Property Taxes: How Ownwell Can Help
If you're a Long Island homeowner, filing a property tax grievance could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Whether you're among the 61% who've filed before or the 39% who haven't, Ownwell makes the process straightforward. We handle the paperwork, use our proprietary technology to analyze comparable properties, and advocate for a fair assessment on your behalf.
Our technology-enabled platform combines data analysis with local expert representation to maximize your chances of a successful appeal.
For Nassau and Suffolk County homeowners, the statistics are clear: Filing a grievance is often necessary to avoid overpaying.
But you don't have to navigate the complex process alone.
Enter your address to see if you could save on your property taxes. We can also help with commercial and investment properties throughout Long Island.
Methodology
Ownwell, in partnership with Pollfish, surveyed 164 self-identified property owners in Nassau County and Suffolk County, New York, ages 18 to 60, between October 20 and 27, 2025. All percentages are based on stratified data to ensure representative results. Minor discrepancies in percentage totals may occur due to rounding.
