Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Ithaca, New York

Median Ithaca, New York effective property tax rate: 2.96%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the New York state median of 1.90%.
Median Ithaca, New York home value: $360,000
Median annual Ithaca, New York tax bill: $9,178, $6,778 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Tompkins calculated?

Property taxes in Ithaca, New York are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding Ithaca's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Ithaca, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

2.96%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$10,656

$9,888

How Does the Ithaca Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Ithaca property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Ithaca's median effective tax rate of 2.96% — based on actual property records in Tompkins County — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local assessment office uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Ithaca's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.

Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Ithaca: rates range from 2.96% in 14850 to 2.96% in 14850, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.

For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Ithaca.

About Ithaca Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Ithaca, Tompkins, New York

Ithaca's median effective property tax rate of 2.96% is higher than the New York state median of 1.90% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Tompkins County base levy combined with local school district levies and special district levies that vary by subdivision throughout the city.

Property tax rates are not uniform across Ithaca. Homeowners in the 14850 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 2.96%, while those in the lowest ZIP code pay 2.96%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Tompkins County. Understanding which part of Ithaca you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Ithaca homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Assessment Review Commission before the May 26, 2026 deadline each year.

If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.

Property Tax Rates Across Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York

As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.

Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate.

While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.

Below, you can compare Ithaca's effective property tax rate to other cities in New York and the median property tax rates in New York and the U.S.

Property Tax Rates Across Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York

Source: Ownwell

1.69%

2.49%

3.29%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Ithaca Tax Rate

2.96%

Median Effective Tompkins County Tax Rate

2.53%

Median Effective New York Tax Rate

1.90%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
14850	2.24%	2.44%	2.96%	3.13%	3.25%
14853	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York

When examining property taxes in Ithaca, New York, understanding the distinction between market value and assessed value is crucial.

The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Tompkins County assessment office estimates the market value for tax purposes.

The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

Assessment notices:

In Tompkins County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May.

Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. For example, the median home price in Ithaca is $360,000, and the median tax bill is $9,178, compared with the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and national median property tax bill of $2,400.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York

Source: Ownwell

$171,000

$265,500

$360,000

Median Ithaca Market Value

$360,000

Median Tompkins County Market Value

$290,000

Median New York Market Value

$312,500

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
14850	$180,000	$265,000	$360,000	$475,000	$615,000
14853	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York

How are property tax bills calculated in Ithaca?

Property tax bills in Ithaca are based on the assessed value of a home, not the market value alone. Local taxing authorities apply tax rates to that assessed value to determine the final bill, and those rates can reflect city, county, school, and other local levies. For a home with a median home price of $360,000, the tax bill can vary widely depending on the property’s assessment and the specific taxing jurisdictions involved.

What factors affect the amount homeowners pay?

Several factors influence the bill, including the home’s assessed value, local tax rates, and any exemptions a homeowner may qualify for. In Tompkins County, the typical tax burden is high compared with the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and the national median property tax bill of $2,400. In Ithaca, the 25th percentile tax bill is $6,075, the 75th percentile is $12,135, and the 90th percentile reaches $15,169.

How does this affect homeowners?

Higher assessed values and local rates can lead to significantly larger annual bills, making property taxes a major housing cost for Ithaca homeowners.

Property Tax Bills Across Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York

Source: Ownwell

$1,526

$5,482

$9,438

Median Ithaca Tax Bill

$9,178

Median Tompkins County Tax Bill

$6,956

Median New York Tax Bill

$5,420

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
14850	$3,426	$6,075	$9,178	$12,135	$15,169
14853	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to file a grievance!

Dates
Appeal Deadline	May 26

Links
Tompkins Assessment Review Commission
Website	beacon.schneidercorp.com

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Ithaca, New York

How are property taxes calculated in Ithaca, New York?

Property taxes in Ithaca, New York are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.

How do I appeal my property taxes in Ithaca, New York?

To appeal your property taxes in Ithaca, New York, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.

What property tax exemptions are available in Ithaca, New York?

Common property tax exemptions in Ithaca, New York include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.

When are property taxes due in Ithaca, New York?

Property tax deadlines in Ithaca, New York vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.

How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Ithaca, New York?

Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Ithaca, New York. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.