FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What makes my tax bill change?

Tax bills change for one or more of the following reasons:  bigger budgets are adopted, revenue from sources other than property tax shrinks, the taxable assessment value of the assessing unit changes, or the tax levy is apportioned differently.

I didn’t receive a tax bill or received it late, do I still have to pay the penalty?

Yes, property owners are not relieved of the obligation to pay taxes due to a lack of a bill.  There is no authorization in Real Property Tax Law to waive penalties or interest.

What if the due date falls on a weekend?

If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, payments may be made on the following business day without additional charge.

Can a penalty be waived?

No, neither the Receiver of Taxes nor any other official have legal authority to waive statutory penalty charges.  These are fixed by the Real Property Tax Law.

Can I pre-pay my taxes?

No, the tax warrant constitutes the mantel of authority for the collecting officer to receive the taxes.  Therefore, the warrant must be regarded as the instrument that empowers the collecting officer to begin the collection duties with respect to real property taxes listed in the tax roll.

Do you accept postmarked envelopes on the last day of a penalty free tax period as my payment will arrive in the tax office after the due date?

Yes, providing it is a timely, official United States Post Office Postmark.  No other postmarks will be accepted such as private/office meters and foreign postmarks, etc.

I no longer have an escrow account or I have satisfied my mortgage, how can I receive my tax bills going forward?

A request must be made in writing and can be mailed to Receiver of Taxes,  363 Underhill Avenue, P.O. Box 703, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.   Another option would be to come in to Town Hall and fill out the form in person.   The Tax Office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Why is the penalty on the second half of the school tax bill so much?

School tax bills are mailed in September and due by September 30th.    Our county allows for “installment” payments, but this does not change the penalty schedule if you fail to meet the installment deadlines.   If you miss the second installment, the penalty is based upon the September 30 due date and immediately jumps to 10%.