TOWN OF LANCASTER
PROPERTY ASSESSMENT INFORMATION SITE
(site last updated 7/2/07)
This site will provide general information about the assessment process. The links at the left will take you to information about property inventory, photos, assessments, sales, and search criteria. The information contained on this site is taken from the 2007 Final Assessment Roll filed on July 1, 2007.
The Town of Lancaster's Level of Assessment is 95%. That means that assessments represent 95% of full market value.
The Town of Lancaster's Equalization Rate is 95%. An equalization rate is the State's measure of a municipality's Level of Assessment. This is the ratio of total assessed value (AV) to the municipality's total market value (MV). The municipality determines the AV; the MV is estimated by the State.
THE PROCESS
Beginning in May, property owners whose assessment has been changed will be receiving a change of assessment notice. The Tentative Assessment Roll will be filed on or before May 24th according to the law.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
AFTER MAY 1
1. Reports: Residential sales and property inventories will be published and available for inspection at the Assessor’s office.
2. Internet Access: The Tentative Assessment roll will be available on the Internet on May 24th.
3. Your assessment should reflect 95% of the current market value for your property. To review your assessment, please follow the steps listed below:
§ Verify property information
§ Review inventory data on an individual property
§ Review current sales information
§ Analyze sales information about similar properties
In comparing similar sales it is important to remember that location, style, age and size are critical to the comparison process. For example: if you purchased your home for $200,000 on a particular street or neighborhood DO NOT look for homes that sell for $100,000 in other neighborhoods or compare a 5 year old house with a 50 year old house. BE REALISTIC AND HONEST.
INFORMAL REVIEW PROCESS
The Assessor's Office will offer property owners an Informal Review Process through May 24th. Please select the appropriate form for your property description from the downloadable pdf forms at the bottom of this page.
FORMAL REVIEW PROCESS
The Board of Assessment Review meets on the first Tuesday in June (Grievance Day) each year to hear complaints on assessments. Written application to the Board of Review must be made on or before Grievance Day on forms prescribed by New York State Office of Real Property Services. If you feel your assessment is incorrect, you must fill out the proper paperwork and provide the Board of Review with information that supports your opinion of market value. Appointments will be taken when the paperwork is submitted
.
FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO DISPUTE THE ASSESSMENT ON YOUR PROPERTY
EXEMPTION FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS - FILING DEADLINE MAY 1ST
THE GOAL OF THE ASSESSOR’S OFFICE IS TO DETERMINE THE FAIR AND EQUITABLE ASSESSMENT FOR YOUR PROPERTY.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for improvement to this site, please call the Assessor's Office at
716-683-1311.
