Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a property tax grievance?
- A tax grievance is a formal complaint filed against a town’s assessed value on a particular parcel of property.
- When is the property tax year?
- The tax year is December 1st thru November 30th.
- How long does it take to reduce my property taxes?
- The grievance process can take between one to two years to finalize.
- When is the best time to file a grievance?
- The best time to apply for a grievance is today!
- How far back will the reduction be retroactive?
- The reduction is retroactive to the tax bill the grievance was filed for. ie: If a reduction is finalized in April of 2013 but was submitted May 2012, the reduction is retroactive to December 2012.
- Will anyone from the assessor’s office come to my house?
- No one from the assessor’s office or The Mark Lewis Tax Grievance Service will come to your home.
- How often should I apply for a tax grievance?
- We recommend sending an application to us every year. As long as you did not win a reduction in small claims court the previous year, you may be entitled.
- Who can file a tax grievance?
- A person named in the records of Suffolk County Clerk as a homeowner, that person's authorized agent, a person who has contracted to buy the home, or the estate of a deceased homeowner.
- Do my neighbors’ taxes have anything to do with my property taxes?
- No. If a neighbor has lower property taxes than you, it may mean that they are under assessed; it is no basis for accepting your case. The town places a value on every property. ie - $600,000 - if we can prove your home is worth less than that value, we will accept your grievance.
- My house is up for sale; why should I file a property tax grievance?
- High property taxes are not attractive to any potential buyer. To help entice potential buyers we can supply a letter stating an estimated reduction for homes that are for sale.
- Will filing a grievance raise any red flags?
- Even if you are under assessed – they cannot raise your assessment unless they reassess the entire area. There is ABSOLUTELY no down side to filing a grievance.
- Why should I hire The Mark Lewis Tax Grievance Service?
- We pride ourselves on our success rate and our superior customer service. Aside from being in business for over 33 years, being successful in over 84,935 property tax grievances, we have a clean record at all reporting agencies. Many other companies accept your grievance application whether or not you have a case. When we receive your application we analyze it immediately and let you know if you have a case. Many of them also collect up front fees. If we accept your case, and happen to lose, we pay for the appraisal and all court costs. We charge NOTHING until we win for you.