Tax Grievance Appraisal

Property Tax Grievance Appraisals

Property taxes in Westchester County, Putnam County, and Rockland County are among the highest in the nation. Many homeowners are paying taxes based on assessed values that exceed what their property would actually sell for on the open market. A tax grievance — formally known as a complaint to the Board of Assessment Review — is the process by which homeowners can challenge their property's assessed value and potentially reduce their tax burden.

Madison & Park Appraisal provides the certified appraisal documentation that forms the foundation of a successful tax grievance filing. Our appraisal establishes the current fair market value of your property using recent comparable sales, and if that value is below your assessed value, you have grounds for a reduction.

How the Tax Grievance Process Works

Each municipality in New York publishes tentative assessment rolls annually. Homeowners then have a limited window to file a grievance if they believe their assessment is too high. The process involves submitting a formal complaint — typically a New York State Form RP-524 — along with supporting evidence of your property's market value.

A professional appraisal is the strongest form of evidence you can submit. While some homeowners attempt to file using their own comparable sales research, an appraisal from a certified appraiser with the SRA designation carries significantly more weight with the Board of Assessment Review and in any subsequent Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) proceedings.

If the initial grievance is denied, homeowners can pursue further relief through SCAR, a judicial process where a hearing officer reviews the case. A certified appraisal is essentially mandatory at this stage.

Filing Deadlines by Municipality

Each town, village, and city in Westchester County has its own grievance filing deadline. Missing the deadline means waiting another full year to challenge your assessment. Here are the key deadlines:

January: White Plains (Jan 1 – Jan 21)

February: Bronxville, Larchmont, Tuckahoe (Feb 1 – Third Tuesday in Feb)

June (majority of municipalities): Scarsdale, New Rochelle, Rye, Mamaroneck, Pelham, Eastchester, Harrison, Greenburgh, Bedford, Chappaqua/New Castle, Tarrytown, and most other towns (June 1 – Third Tuesday in June)

November: Yonkers (Nov 1 – Nov 15)

Contact us if you're unsure of your municipality's deadline — we can confirm it for you and ensure your appraisal is completed in time.

Why an SRA-Designated Appraiser Matters

The SRA designation through the Appraisal Institute represents one of the highest professional credentials in residential appraisal. When presenting your case to an assessment review board or SCAR hearing officer, the appraiser's qualifications are scrutinized. An appraisal from an SRA-designated appraiser with over 10,000 completed appraisals provides the credibility and market expertise that supports a successful outcome.

We appraise properties for tax grievance purposes throughout Westchester County, Putnam County, and Rockland County.