Did your East Greenbush assessment jump this year? You are not alone, and you have a clear path to ask for a review. With the right timing, form, and evidence, you can make a strong case and protect your fair share of the tax base. In this guide, you will learn the local steps, key dates, and documents that matter most. Let’s dive in.
How East Greenbush assessment challenges work
East Greenbush follows New York State’s annual grievance calendar. The town posts the Tentative Assessment Roll on or about May 1, then holds Grievance Day in late May. You must file Form RP-524 during this window to be heard by the Board of Assessment Review. You can confirm dates on the town’s Tentative Assessment Roll fact sheet and annual notices on the assessor’s pages.
- Check the town’s current-year dates and instructions on the Tentative Assessment Roll fact sheet. You can review the posted roll, inspection hours, and hearing details there. Town fact sheet
- File the state complaint form RP-524 within the local window. Download the fillable form and instructions from the state. RP-524 form and instructions
- If you do not receive full relief from the Board of Assessment Review, you may qualify for Small Claims Assessment Review, a low-cost court review for many owner-occupied homes. Check eligibility and deadlines below and on the town’s guidance page. Assessment Grievance Information
Step-by-step timeline
1) Early May: review the Tentative Roll
Inspect your property details and assessed value. Verify building data and note any errors. Follow the town’s posted inspection hours and contact info on the fact sheet. Tentative Assessment Roll fact sheet
2) Before Grievance Day: file RP-524
Complete Form RP-524 and attach your evidence. File it with the East Greenbush Assessor or as directed by the town for BAR. East Greenbush does not accept fax or email for grievances, so plan for in-person or the method the town requires. RP-524 and state guidance | Town filing info
3) Grievance Day: present to the BAR
Hearings are informal and scheduled in short time slots. Bring hard copies of your form and exhibits. The BAR will issue a written determination after hearings. Town hearing overview
Build a strong case
Use the right evidence
- Comparable sales. Select 3–5 recent, truly comparable closed sales from the county’s PROS data and the neighborhoods the town uses for trending. Include a simple chart, photos, and maps. Town guidance on comps and charts
- Independent appraisal. If you have a recent appraisal within the acceptable date range for that assessment year, include it. Check the town’s current guidance on the valuation period. Town valuation guidance
- Photos and condition notes. Document deferred maintenance, exterior issues, or inventory mismatches. If your claim involves square footage, submit plans or request a site visit. The town measures from the exterior. Evidence tips from the town
Organize your packet
- Prepare a one-page summary of your requested value and why.
- Add a comparison chart that lines up your property against each comp.
- Put exhibits in order: RP-524, summary, chart, photos, maps, appraisal.
Practical hearing tips
- Be concise and stick to sales and facts.
- Bring printed copies for the BAR and assessor.
- Answer questions and cooperate with reasonable inspection requests. Some courts have dismissed later challenges when owners refused inspections or did not respond at the BAR stage. Local assessor reference
After the BAR: SCAR and beyond
If you are denied or receive only a partial reduction, consider Small Claims Assessment Review.
Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR)
- What it is. SCAR is a simplified court review for many owner-occupied one-, two-, or three-family homes, with a small filing fee. State overview
- Deadline. File within 30 days of the filing of the Final Assessment Roll, or the notice of its filing, as local rules direct. Check the county clerk guidance each year for the exact cutoff. Deadline guidance example
- Forms and filing. Find petition forms and instructions through the Unified Court System and your county clerk. Follow service rules carefully for all required parties. Unified Court SCAR forms | Service rules example
Article 7 tax certiorari
If your property is not eligible for SCAR or you prefer a formal challenge, you can pursue an Article 7 proceeding in State Supreme Court. This is formal litigation and typically involves an attorney.
Quick checklist
- Review the Tentative Assessment Roll and your property inventory. Town fact sheet
- Download RP-524 and read the instructions. RP-524 form and instructions
- Build comps with recent valid sales and prepare a comparison chart. Town guidance
- File RP-524 before East Greenbush’s local cutoff and attend your BAR hearing with printed evidence. Town filing info
- If needed, calendar the SCAR deadline based on the Final Roll date and follow court filing and service rules. SCAR overview
Local resources
- East Greenbush Department of Assessment: deadlines, hearing schedules, and instructions. Assessment Grievance Information
- NYS Department of Taxation and Finance: RP-524 and state guidance. Assessment grievance forms
- NYS Courts: SCAR petition forms and filing info. Unified Court SCAR forms
Ready for a second set of eyes on your value and comps? As your Capital District resource, I can help you understand local sales and pricing so you present the best case possible. Reach out to Christine Serafini to get started.
FAQs
Will winning my grievance lower my tax bill?
- A reduction lowers your share of the tax base, but final bills also depend on budgets and tax rates, which change each year. The town explains that reassessment does not automatically increase revenue. Town reassessment FAQ
What evidence carries the most weight in East Greenbush?
- Recent, valid comparable closed sales, a recent appraisal within the accepted date range, and clear documentation of condition or inventory errors. Town evidence guidance
How long do I have to file SCAR after BAR?
- The common rule is 30 days from the filing of the Final Assessment Roll, or notice of its filing. Always confirm the exact county deadline for the current year. Deadline guidance example
Do I need a lawyer to grieve my assessment?
- No. You can file RP-524 without an attorney, and SCAR is designed to be accessible for many homeowners. Article 7 is formal litigation where owners often hire counsel. State grievance guidance
Can I submit my grievance by email or fax?
- No. East Greenbush does not accept fax or email for grievances; follow the town’s filing method and deadlines each year. Town filing info
