There is no question that there is a lot of income tax inequality on Long Island. Here are 3 of the best tools for fighting back against it…
Education
The biggest difference between property tax bills between owners is whether or not they have filed a property tax grievance or appeal. Those that have, have seen their property tax bills go down. While their neighbors continue to overpay and see bills go up. The system may be broken and unfair. Yet, the inequality in how much is being paid really seems to come down to those who know about their rights to appeal and get their bills lowered, and not. You have the right to contest your tax assessment and bill. You can use this map to see how fair your taxes are, and how much less your neighbors may be paying after filing a grievance. Know what is fair. Check your assessment data to make sure it is accurate. Know where to get help getting it fixed. Then help create more equality by sharing this information with others, so they are empowered to get fairer bills too.
Speak Up
We all have a voice and voting rights. It can seem hard to pick the right candidates. Those who really follow through on their promises, or who can. There are also many factors involved in our property tax bills. This includes when and how properties are assessed, tax breaks and subsidies given to developers, and votes on budgets and tax rates. There are many ways we can all participate, and make our voices heard. That includes voting, being involved in local meetings, and getting others together to do the same.
Appeal Your Property Taxes
All the knowledge and rights in the world aren’t going to make any difference, unless we take action. It’s no good knowing you can appeal your tax bill, or have a say in how money is used and what tax rates are, unless we actually do it.
One of the best ways to stand up and push back against the inequality is to get help filing a grievance, and getting your own property taxes lowered. That will directly help you. It may even give you the extra surplus to help educate others, or contribute to campaigns that can help bring about real change. It is estimated that 50% of Long Island property owners are eligible for a tax adjustment and rebate each year. Many just don’t take advantage of it.
If you don’t do it for yourself, do it for others. Meaning, the more property owners who do appeal, the less profitable it is for tax authorities to send out bad bills, and keep going with the broken system. If there is enough pressure, and we make it more profitable for them to fix the system, ensure better accuracy, and operate more efficiently, it will happen.
Summary
It is sad that the tax system is so messed up, and bills seem so unequal. Yet, there are tangible, and relatively easy ways we can all do something about it, and lower our own tax bills in the process.
Need help with yours? Or want to empower someone else you love to get a fairer bill? Get in touch with Property Tax Adjusters, Ltd. today…