Assessor

The next annual Grievance day is JUNE 1, 2027. 

• Grievance will be held in person in the meeting room at the Town Hall. 

• You may appear in person before the Board of Assessment Review. However, you do not need to be present, a written summary of your complaint is always suggested. 

• No appointment is needed. First come first served. 

• Grievance forms should be submitted at least three (3) days prior to Grievance Day to allow the Assessor time to review and avoid an adjournment. However, all forms MUST be received (NOT POSTMARKED) by 8 pm on Grievance Day. 

• A physical copy of your forms may be dropped off at the Town Hall or mailed. NO EMAILED FORMS. 

• Grievances are heard based on VALUE complaints. TAX complaints are not heard. If you are filing a grievance you must state your estimate of Full Value. You can and should supply additional information that supports your determination of value. This is usually done by providing recent sales up to the valuation date. 

• Market value is the most probable price a property would sell for in a fair, open, and competitive market when both buyer and seller are knowledgeable, acting prudently, and not under any pressure or undue stimulus.

• How to File a Complaint

• Information and Forms to Contest Your Assessment

• Grievance Form

• Informal Taxpayer complaint form Canaan 

• Residential Comparable Sales Worksheet 

• Is your Assessment Fair? 

• Property Tax Publications 

Helpful Hints When Filing A Grievance

• Only one parcel per form 

• Answer all pertinent questions on the form 

• Provide a complete description of the property: Style, lot size, bathrooms, condition, barns, garages, etc. 

• Furnish photos of the subject property interior and exterior 

• You must state your estimate of Full Value on line 7 

• You can and should supply additional information that supports your determination of value. 

RENEWALS are sent the first week in December.

ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 1ST.

STAR PROGRAM
Enhanced Star Renewals - The Tax Department will determine income eligibility using the Social Security numbers. If additional information is needed, the department will contact the property owner directly.

REGISTER FOR STAR
Property owners without access to a computer can register by phone weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (518-457-2036) or www.tax.ny.gov.

EXEMPTION FORMS

• Agricultural Assessment Exemption:
  New Ag exemptions: RP-305
  Renewals: RP-305-R
  Lease Form: RP-305-c

Soils Group Worksheets can be obtained at Columbia County Soil and Water District 518-828-4386 x3

• Low Income Disabled Exemptions:
  New Applicants: RP-459-c
  Renewals: RP-459-c-Rnw
  This provides for an exemption in the amount of between 5% and 50% depending on Income.
  The current income limit for the Town and County is between $34,000 for a 50% exemption and $42,399 for a   5% exemption.
  Income also includes non-taxable Social Security We must include income from all owners and their spouses.

• Low Income Senior Exemption:
  New Applicants: RP-467
  Renewals: RP467-Rnw
  This provides for an exemption in the amount of between 5% and 50% depending on income.
  The current income limit for the Town and County is between $34,000 for a 50% exemption and a $42,399 for   a 5% exemption.
  Income also includes non-taxable Social Security We must include income from all owners and their spouses.
  You MUST include a copy of your prior year Federal Tax Return. If you do not file a return, you MUST fill out an Income Worksheet.

• Alternative Veteran's Exemption: RP-458-a 

• Cold War Veteran's Exemption: RP-458-b

• Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers: RP-466-a

• Non Profit Exemptions: See this Exemption Administration Manual, Part 2 of the Assessor's Manual for details and a list of necessary forms for new applicants and for renewals.

• Forest Land Exemptions: RP-480-a

For exemption renewals, applicants will be mailed a renewal form around December 1st. If you do not reveive a form by the end of December, please contact the Assessor's Office to check the status of your exemption.