Assessing

Responsibilities of the Assessor

The Assessor's responsibility is to value real property using three possible methods (Cost, Market, and Income) and, in return, establishing and maintaining a fair and equitable assessment roll. Other administrative functions include:

  • Determine property use and ownership
  • Inspecting new construction and major improvements along with demolitions
  • Collecting and maintaining accurate inventory on each property record card
  • Maintain sales file
  • Administering various property tax exemptions authorized under state and local law. These include enhanced and basic star, veterans, and senior citizens, and disability, agricultural, and partial or full exemptions for certain parcels owned by non-profit organizations that qualify by reason of religious, charitable, or educational use

Monitoring Assessments

It is up to the individual owners to monitor their own assessments. Taxpayers who feel they are not being fairly assessed should meet with the assessor before the tentative assessment roll is established (this is the ideal time). The assessor can explain how the assessment was determined and the rationale behind it.

Review of the Assessment

The Town of Poughkeepsie assess property at 100% of market value. Your tentative assessment should reflect the market value of your property as of July 1 of the prior year. If you are requesting a review of your assessment with the assessment staff, you must provide documentation to support what you believe the assessed value of your property should be.  For your convenience we have provided residential sales files at the bottom of the Grievance Information page.  Look for home sales of similar size, age, condition and neighborhood to see if your assessment is appropriate. You may also make an appointment for the assessor to conduct an interior inspection to review condition and inventory for your property. Alternatively, you may file a Grievance Complaint on or before grievance day and the Board of Assessment review will make a determination based on information provided to them.