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Assessor

 

Assessor Judy M. Tafelski
200 Niagara   Street
Tonawanda, NY  14150
E-Mail: Assessor
phone: (716) 695-8639
fax: (716) 695-8315

  

 

 MISSION STATEMENT-CITY OF TONAWANDA ASSESSOR’S OFFICE

OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE THE TAXPAYER’S OF THE CITY OF TONAWANDA A FAIR AND EQUITABLE ASSESSMENT ON THEIR PROPERTIES AND MAINTAIN AN EQUITABLE ROLL FOR TAX PURPOSES.

WE WILL PROVIDE SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC- COURTESY, PROMPT FOLLOW UP, EASY ACCESS AND AVAILABILITY TO OUR OFFICE WILL BE A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF OUR OPERATION.

ALL OF OUR DECISIONS WILL BE FACT BASED, WITH SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION THAT ASSIST’S THE PUBLIC IN UNDERSTANDING OUR DECISIONS.

WE WILL INSURE, THROUGH FREE SEMINARS, THAT THE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDS THE PROCESS OF CHALLENGING THEIR ASSESSMENT.

WE WILL PUBLICIZE EXEMPTION DEADLINES AND WORK WITH THE PUBLIC TO INSURE THEY RECEIVE ALL EXEMPTIONS THEY ARE ENTITLED TO.

COOPERATION WITH ALL STATE, COUNTY, CITY AND SCHOOL DISTRICT DEPARTMENTS IS KEY.

EXPANDING OUR PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES THROUGH STATE SPONSORED TRAINING IS CRITICAL IN EXPANDING OUR KNOWLEDGE.

 

 

 

INTERNET NEWS FROM THE ASSESSOR'S OFFICE

 
See information below for 2018 Board of Assessment Review.



2018 Board of Assessment Review

How to Challenge your Assessment
Items That Effect Market Value
How Market Value is Determined

 

 

EXEMPTIONS 

Exemption Reminder

Renewal and new registration will start November 1st and run thru March 1st each year.  If you are turning 65 this year or next year, you may be eligible for an additional exemption.  Please contact the Assessor's office after November 1st.

NYS ORPTS Exemption Video

STAR EXEMPTION

STAR Information Sheet


Do I Qualify for the Star Exemption

You may be eligible for the STAR Exemption if you own and reside on property in the City of Tonawanda. Proof of residency is required when making application.

Seniors (65 or older) must apply between November 1st and March 1st with proof of previous years income in order to receive the ENHANCED STAR exemption on their school taxes.

Beginning with 2013 school levies, property owners that have significant state tax liabilities will be denied the STAR exemption. The Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF) will be responsible for identifying the property owners and impacted parcels. DTF will communicate with property owners and give them an opportunity to resolve the issue. If they do not, DTF will notify the assessors of the parcels that are no longer eligible for the STAR exemption. The assessor will be responsible for removing the exemption from the assessment roll.


   
STAR EXEMPTION ISSUES  - SCHOOL BILLS

*  New York State Department of Taxation & Finance undertook a complete re-registration of all property owners receiving STAR During 2014
*  If you failed to re-register, or were deemed not eligible by the State, they informed the local Assessor to remove the exemption for the 2014/2015 School Tax Bill
*  The local Assessor cannot re-instate your exemption or assist you in getting a refund.  You will have to call the New York State Taxation & Finance STAR hotline at:
518-457-2036

 

SENIOR CITIZENS' EXEMPTION

The City of Tonawanda grants the senior citizen exemption to qualifying Seniors (65 and older).  Seniors must apply in the Assessor's Office each year during the November 1st through March 1st dates using the same income as stated above for the Enhanced STAR exemption.  Income limits for the purpose of this exemption are City and School taxes $17,725 and County taxes $32,400.

PERSONS with DISABILITIES and LIMITED INCOMES EXEMPTION

The City of Tonawanda grants the disability exemption to qualifying persons with documented evidence of disability and proof of income.  Evidence includes award letter from the Social Security Administration, award letter from the Railroad Retirement Board, award letter from the United States Postal Service or certificate from the State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped.  Application may be made November 1 through March 1 in the Assessor's Office using your previous year's income.  Income limits for the purpose of this exemption are City and School taxes $27,000 and County taxes $32,400.

 

VETERANS' EXEMPTIONS

Veteran's exemptions are granted to qualifying veterans by making application to the Assessor's office by taxable status date March 1 in the City of Tonawanda.

The City of Tonawanda   Common Council recently adopted the new "Cold War Veterans Exemption".  The exemption would apply to all city taxes starting in 2010.

Proof of eligibility is required from form DD-214.  Documentation of disability rating, if received is also necessary.  The veteran must own and reside on the property to receive the exemption on County and City taxes.

If you have questions regarding the above exemptions or any other exemptions, please call the office at (716) 695-8639 or e-mail to assessor@ci.tonawanda.ny.us

 

485-B BUSINESS EXEMPTION


Final Assessment Roll

The Final Roll for the City of Tonawanda will be complete and filed on July 1 each year.  Any interested persons who wish to examine this roll may do so anytime during regular business hours or download the roll at the link above.

Generally, the summer months are a time when the Assessor's Office is gathering information about your property. This is especially true if you have completed your building or remodeling project and have had it approved by the City Building Inspector. This information will be sent to the Assessor's Office to determine the value of your project and how it affects your assessment.

City of Tonawanda   Assessment Rolls available PDF version:

2017 Final Assessment Roll

2016 Final Assessment Roll

2015 Final Assessment Roll

2014 Final Assessment Roll

2013 Final Assessment Roll - added 7/2/2013

 

 Contact Us

You may call the Assessor's Office at 695-8639 for more information regarding your property. You should keep yourself informed about your property whether you are a new homeowner or have owned your home for several years.