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1. Why did my assessment change?

PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION

Why Did My Assessment Change?
 New York State Real Property Tax Law specifies that property values for example  the 2019 Assessment Roll be based on real estate market conditions as of July 1, 2018.  Any increase in your assessment is generally due to physical changes in your property or changes in market conditions from July 1, 2017 to July 1, 2018.

What are the specific reasons for an assessment change?

• Physical property change due to new construction or demolition
• Correction of factual property features such as missing data
• Adjustment due to a change in market conditions
• Removal of expired Court decisions (grievance, small claims or other judicial review)
• Refinements to assessments to maintain equity for all property owners.

What effect does an increase in assessment have on my taxes?

• Assessment multiplied by the tax rate equals the taxes. Ex. $500,000 x 0.3917 = $195.85 (prior assessment and tax rate).
• The tax rate is a result of the levy (amount needed to raise through real property taxes) divided by the taxable value.
• Property values increase ➝ the levy remains the same ➝ the tax rate decreases ➝ no change or possible increase in taxes.  Ex. $560,000 x 0.3585 = $200.76

What are some examples of typical assessment changes in Southampton? 

• Additions, garages, pools, tennis courts, decks etc. omitted in error or added to a property but never assessed
• Land value adjustments to more accurately reflect neighborhood delineations
• Increase or decrease in value due to neighborhood desirability

Why then do I have an assessment increase? 

• The average assessment increase in Southampton Town for 2019 is 12%.
• Higher increases may be due to new construction, renovations or a prior year assessment reduction which is no longer applicable to this year’s assessment. 
• Changes in value are also based on property location as well as property type, condition, special or historical features, etc.

 

What can I do if I want more information about the Assessment Process in Southampton and in New York?

• The work of the Southampton Assessor’s Office is reviewed and audited by the Office of Real Property Tax Services (ORPTS) You can view an online video regarding the assessment process at  http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/contest/contestasmt.htm
• You can read an online summary of the assessment and appeal process from the Office of Real Property Tax Services (ORPTS) http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/contest/grievproced.htm
• You can review the entire Southampton Tentative 2019 Assessment Roll see Assessor’s Department http://www.southamptontownny.gov/ 
• Assessment increases that are the result of changes in market conditions are based on valid comparable sales evidence. You can also locate comparable sales near your home using our Online Interactive Sales Map see Assessor’s Department – Southampton Town Sale Map (southamptontownny.gov) 

 

What can I do if I want to appeal my new assessment?

• First ask yourself if the new assessment, based on sales data and physical characteristics, reflects the market value of your property as of July 1, 2018. If it does not then you may want to file a grievance.
• You can file a grievance in one of three ways: Digital E-filing, mail or in person.

TO FILE BY DIGITAL E-FILING:

• The most efficient way of appealing your assessment is to digitally e-file. You will avoid any lines; you can do it any time and will not have to be concerned about mailing delays. 
• Follow the instructions and complete a digital e-grievance form found in the Assessors Directory at http://www.southamptontownny.gov/. You will digitally sign your appeal and attach any additional information to your submission. You will receive a verification of submission via email. You must file this form by 4:00 PM (EST) May 21, 2019

TO FILE BY MAIL:

• If you wish to file by mail, read the instructions and complete a grievance form found in the Assessors Office or located at http://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/current_forms/orpts/rp524ins.pdf and http://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/current_forms/orpts/rp524_fill_in.pdf.
• Mail it or drop it off at the Assessor’s Office, 116 Hampton Road, Southampton, NY 11968. The form must be in the Assessors Office (not postmarked) by 4:00 PM(EST) May 21, 2019.  Facsimile grievances will not be accepted.

 

TO FILE IN PERSON:

• You may file your appeal in person on Grievance Day, Tuesday, May21st (see location and time details on reverse side) 

To avoid waiting in line on Grievance Day, we encourage you to file an e-grievance or mail in your appeal. Your appeal will receive equal scrutiny whether you file by mail, digital e-grievance or in person. All grievances will be reviewed by the Board of Assessment Review. Decisions will be mailed or digitally transmitted by July 1, 2019.

2. What exemptions am I eligible for?

• STAR Exemption
• Enhanced STAR Exemption
• Senior Citizens’ Exemption.
• Veterans’ Exemption
• Persons with Disabilities and Limited Incomes Exemption
• First-time Homebuyers Exemption
• Volunteer Firefighters/Ambulance Workers Exemption
• Exemptions deadline for first-time filing is March 1

Mail-in or drop-off applications at: Town of Southampton Department of Assessment 116 Hampton Road Southampton, NY 11968 Ph: 631-283-6020
Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday

Taxpayers who use their Southampton Town property as their primary residence may be allowed to exempt a portion of their home’s value from taxation. Eligibility requirements, applications, and instructions for each type of exemption can be found online at Assessor Applications and Instructions.

3. If I file a grievance, when will I know whether it has been successful in lowering my assessment?

All grievances will be reviewed by the Board of Assessment Review. Determination Notices will be mailed or digitally transmitted July 1. If you do not receive your Determination Notice by July 15,  please contact our office. Failure to receive proper notice does not relieve your current assessment.

Assessor’s Office at 631-283-6020 .

4. My property is overvalued and my taxes are too high. How do I grieve my assessment / lower my taxes?

Each year, property owners can file a grievance to lower the assessed value of their home if they have additional information that could lead to a more accurate assessment.

Grievance Day is held on the third Tuesday in May. During the week prior, residents may go to the Assessor’s Office in Town Hall, or to the town’s website for assistance with completing the grievance application and/or to help understand how particular assessments were determined.

Appointments with the Assessor’s Office can be made by calling 631-283-6020.
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

5. Do I have to stand in that long line on Grievance Day? Can I submit my grievance by mail or online?

Grievance applications are available and can be submitted online through the Assessor’s Office. Your appeal will receive the same scrutiny whether you file digitally, mail, or file your grievance in-person.

In person: Town Hall - Drop off application at Town Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
116 Hampton Road, Southampton NY 11968

In person: 3rd Tuesday in MAY St. Rosalie’s 31 East Montauk Hwy., Hampton Bays, NY 11946
Hours: 9:00am to 12:00pm,   2:00pm to 4:00pm,   6:00pm to 8:00pm

Online: 24 hour, May 1 - May 17, 2022
http://www.southamptontownny.gov/Online-Grievance
The electronic grievance portal will close promptly at 4:00pm on 3rd Tuesday in MAY 

Mail:
Southampton Town
Attn: Assessor’s Office
116 Hampton Road, Southampton NY 11968

Facsimiles will not not accepted.   

Please note: You do not have to appear in person to file your Grievance Complaint, as all grievances received will be reviewed in detail by the Board of Assessment Review.

6. What tax exemptions am I eligible for? (Veterans, Seniors, Volunteer First Responders, etc.)

Taxpayers who use their Southampton Town property as their primary residence may be allowed to exempt a portion of their home’s value from taxation. Eligibility requirements, applications, and instructions for each type of exemption can be found online.

Deadline for exemption applications is March 1.
Assessor’s Office
116 Hampton Road
Southampton NY 11968
Phone: 631-283-6020
Fax: 631-287-4509

7. What information should I include with my grievance application?

Helpful supporting documentation for residential grievances includes:

Current Appraisals

• Sales Information
• Listing information
• Construction Costs
• Land surveys
• Photos
• Wetlands surveys

Helpful supporting documentation for commercial grievances include:

• Leases
• Income and Expenses Statements
• Tax Returns (previous three years)
• Current Appraisals
• Sales Information
• Listing Information
• Construction Costs
• Approval Information

You will also want to visit the Assessor’s office to view your Property Record Card to confirm the current data (the specific property details) is correct for your property.

Assessor’s Office 116 Hampton Road Southampton, NY 11968 Phone: 631-283-6020 Fax: 631-287-4509

8. How can I find information about a property (owners, taxes, zoning, etc.)?

Property information (e.g. owner, tax map number, zoning, and taxes due) may be viewed through the Town of Southampton Property Tax Payment Portal.

9. What will be the assessed value of my home for the tax bill coming in December?

After May 1, property owners are strongly encouraged to review the Tentative Assessment Roll online to obtain the latest updated assessment information. This assessment will reflect the town’s estimated value of your home as of July of the previous year.

Assessor’s Office 116 Hampton Road Southampton NY 11968 Phone: 631-283-6020 Fax: 631-287-4509

10. What is my assessment based on?

New York State Real Property Tax Law specifies that property values for the annual Assessment Roll be based on real estate market conditions as of July 1 of the prior year.

Among the potential reasons for a change is assessed values are:

• Physical property change due to new construction or demolition
• Correction of factual property features such as missing data
• Adjustment due to a change in market conditions (up or down)
• Expiration court decisions (grievance, small claims or certiorari)
• Refinements to assessments to maintain equity for all property owners

To make these decisions, the Assessor’s Office will make on-site field visits, view building and site plans, analyze recent sales data, and use Graphical Information System (GIS) tools such as aerial photography.

Assessor’s Office 116 Hampton Road Southampton, NY 11968 Phone: 631-283-6020 Fax: 631-287-4509

11. What are some of the most common assessment changes in Southampton Town?

• Garages, pools, tennis courts, decks, and other additions omitted in error or added to a property without a building permit
• Removal of improperly applied land adjustments for size or traffic
• Land value adjustments made to more accurately reflect neighborhood delineations

Assessor’s Office 116 Hampton Road Southampton, NY 11968 Phone: 631-283-6020 Fax: 631-287-4509

12. What can I do if I want more information about the assessment process in Southampton and in New York State?

The work of the Southampton Assessor’s Office is reviewed and audited by the Office of Real Property Services (ORPS). You can view an online video regarding the assessment process.

Assessor’s Office 116 Hampton Road Southampton, NY 11968 Phone: 631-283-6020 Fax: 631-287-4509