TOWN OF LANCASTER
PROPERTY ASSESSMENT INFORMATION SITE
(This page last updated 9/29/2008)
Website data last updated 9/29/2008
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 2008 Final Assessment Roll filed on July 1, 2008.
The Town of Lancaster's Level of Assessment is 93%. That means that assessments represent 93% of full market value.
The Town of Lancaster's Equalization Rate is 93%. 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
March 1st of each year is Taxable Status Day. Your property is valued based on it's Physical Status /Condition on that day.Beginning in early April, 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 1st 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 by early May.
3. Your assessment should reflect 93% (NOTE-This rate can change-please contact Assessors office regarding this) 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 March 1st-April 30th. 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 fourth Tuesday in May (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 MARCH 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.
