Some NY residents see 50 percent tax increases
NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - It has been 60 years since the town of Greenburgh, New York has seen an assessment. But now, some homeowners will see an increase of up to 50 percent on their taxes.
Daniel Graber, who moved in to his home in Hartsdale in 2010, says he wasn't expecting to dish out more money next year.
“It's outrageous” Graber said.
And he's not alone. Homeowners in Greenburgh have been getting letters in the mail from Tyler Technologies, an assessment company, hired to do the reassessments.
Town Supervisor Paul Feiner says what the town is doing, is assessing the properties at their value.
“We don't think it's fair. We think if two properties are the same, they shouldn't be paying a different amount" Feiner said. "They've been getting a great bargain.. on the other hand there were people that have been over paying their taxes, subsidizing people who should have been paying more."
According to Feiner, more than 40% of homeowners will see no impact. But about a third will see a reduction and the rest will receive tax increase.
Bob Bernstein President of the Edgemont Community Council says Edgemont is the one hit the hardest communities. Some residents there already pay $30,000 a year in property taxes. And now letters are starting to show up with a 50 percent increase. Bernstein says that's all based on their house's value.
“If their houses are worth $600,000 to $1,000,000 their tax impact is going to be huge" Bernstein said.
Bernstein is trying to figure out where he numbers are coming from. He claims his neighbors who have the same exact house as he does, sold for $700,000 and he's being assessed for over $930,000.
“The town could have, if they wanted, to phase-in these increases over a five-year period. They chose not to do so" Bernstein said.