• General FAQs
• Assessor's Office FAQs
• Receiver of Taxes FAQs

General FAQs

Why is a valuation update done?

In accordance with New York State Law, the Town of Greece is required to maintain up-to-date assessment records.

Does this mean I will pay more taxes?

The assessment process is performed to correct inequities that creep into the assessment roll. When this happens some property owners may be paying more than their fair share in taxes while others are paying less. A town-wide valuation update serves to equalize these inequities. As a result of the assessment adjustments, some property owners may notice a change in the overall amount of taxes they pay.

How is the valuation update performed?

Market data and property information is constantly being reviewed by the Assessor's staff. This information will be used to determine the assessed value of property. Other tools such as computer models and specialized software will also assist in the valuation update process.

Will the appraisers need to enter my property?

No, the only time such a review would be necessary is when special conditions arise whereby an internal inspection would help resolve valuation questions.

Market value, assessed value, sales price? What do these mean?

Market Value The probable price that a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open real estate market without restrictions or special considerations.

Assessed Value The value of property on which taxes will be calculated. In Greece this will be as close to "market value" as possible.

Sales Price The amount actually agreed upon to transfer ownership. This may be greater or lesser than the market and/or assessed values.

When the calculations are complete, will I be notified of my new assessment?

Yes, provided there is a change. All property owners will be notified of their new assessments. Mailings will be sent to the owner's address of record and the Assessor's Office will have a listing should you wish to stop by in person. The valuation update will be reflected in school tax bills for 2007 and town and county taxes for 2008.

 If I disagree with my new assessed values?

Procedures are in place for informal and formal assessment grievances. See Assessment Review/Grievance Process or contact the Town at 225-2000.

What if I have questions about my Assessment?

You can stop into the Assessor's Office located in the Service Mall at Town Hall, contact the Assessor's Office by phone, 225-2000 or contact us via email by clicking "Contact Us" on the homepage of this website. 

What if I have questions about my Tax Bill?

You can stop into the Office of the Receiver of Taxes located in the Service Mall at the Town Hall or contact the Tax Office by phone, 225-2000 or contact us via email by clicking "Contact Us" on the homepage of this website.

Assessor's Office FAQs

What is an Assessment?

A property's assessment is a calculated level of market value. The Town of Greece works diligently to keep the assessment as close to 100% of market value as possible. The Assessor utilizes standard practices and procedures to uniformly assess the properties within this jurisdiction. Once the property's total assessment is determined, its taxable assessed value is computed by applying any property tax exemptions which will reduce the level of the tax bill to be paid.

What if I have Questions About My Assessment?

The Town of Greece Assessor's Office is available to answer your questions and to insure you fully understand the processes and procedures involved in calculating your assessment. For more information please contact us Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm at 225-2000.

Can I Challenge My Assessment?

Yes, there is a three-step process which can assist property owners in better understanding their assessment and may result in changes to the taxable assessed value. These steps are:

1. Informal Assessment Review - Informal assessment review meetings are scheduled during the months of January, February, and March for anyone wishing to review the taxable assessed value. This is your opportunity to offer information you determine important in your valuation process. You can contact the Assessor's Office to schedule an appointment.
2. Grievance Day - If you do not agree with the tentative assessment after the Informal Review, the next step in the process is the Grievance Process. Grievance Day is always the fourth Tuesday in May and is an opportunity to petition the Board of Assessment Review for a change in your assessment. You must file a formal grievance petition - available in the Assessor's Office after May 1. You must have filed a Grievance petition if you plan to submit a Small Claims Petition.
3. Small Claims Assessment Review - If you are not satisfied with the results of the Board of Review decision, you can file a Small Claims Assessment Review Petition seeking judicial review of your property assessment. You may obtain forms from and file this petition with the Monroe County Clerk's Office. There is a filing fee for small claims petitions payable to the Monroe County Clerk.

For all of the above steps, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to prove that the market value of the property is different than the current assessed value.

What is Tax Levy?

The amount of money to be raised by taxes.

What is Property Tax?

Counties, cities, town, villages, school districts, fire districts and special districts are funded through the real property tax. The money is used to fund schools, pays for police and fire protection, maintains roads and supports other municipal services enjoyed by the constituents.

What Determines the Amount of a Property Tax Bill?

The level of a property tax bill is determined by two factors: the property's taxable assessment and the amount to be raised in taxes by the jurisdiction in which the property is located. The "assessment" is determined by the assessor and is based on the value of the property less any applicable property tax exemptions.

What Determines the Tax Rate?

The "tax rate" is determined by the amount of the tax levy. To arrive at this amount, the taxing jurisdiction (County, town, school district, and fire districts) develops and adopts a budget. Next, all revenue sources except the property tax are computed. These include State aid, sales tax revenue, user fees, fines, etc. When all of these alternative funding sources are subtracted from the budget, the remaining level is the tax levy, which is raised by property tax. The total taxable assessed value is divided into the tax levy to produce a tax rate.

Receiver of Taxes FAQs

Where do I mail my tax bill and what portion of the bill is to be returned?

The tax bills are to be mailed to Kathleen A. Taylor, Receiver of Taxes, Town of Greece, One Vince Tofany Boulevard, Greece, NY 14612. The Town retains the stubs and a paid receipt is returned to property owner. NOTE: 2nd & 3rd installments of school tax bill are payable to and mailed to the Monroe County Treasury, 39 W. Main Street, COB B-2,  14614.

Does the Town Accept Credit Card Payment for Taxes?

Yes, Credit card payments are accepted only via the Internet; a 3% fee is charged. For credit card payments, go to the website www.monroecounty.gov and select "view/pay taxes online". Then follow the prompts to retrieve your account information and make payment. You can also select it under the Quick Links on the opening page of the Town of Greece website.

Town and County, and School Tax Checks Should be Made Payable to Whom?

Kathleen A. Taylor, Receiver of Taxes. NOTE: 2nd & 3rd installments of school tax bill are payable to and mailed to the Monroe County Treasury, 39 W. Main Street, COB B-2,  14614.

The Previous Owner received the Bill And Has Moved, the Bill Belongs to the New Owner. What Should I Do?

Either return the bill to Kathleen Taylor with the new owner's name or forward the bill directly to the new owner.

The Bill Was Sent to the Property Owner When They Have an Escrow Account with the Bank That Pays Their Taxes?

Mail or take the bill to the bank responsible.

I Have Paid Off My Mortgage and Want the Tax Bill Sent to My Home, What Should I Do?

Contact the Receiver of Taxes

How Do I Get My Address Changed on My Tax Bill?

Contact the Assessor's Office

What If I Didn't Receive My Tax Bill?

Do you have an escrow account with your bank? If yes, they receive the bill and you are mailed only a receipt. If your taxes are not paid by your bank through an escrow account, contact Receiver of Taxes. NOTE: Under New York State Real Property Law you are responsible whether you receive it or not.

What Do I Do in the Event of a Name Change (Death, Marriage, etc.)?

Bring legal document (death certificate, marriage license) to the Assessor's Office at the Town Hall so that the records may be changed.

Did I receive my exemption (Veterans, Senior, STAR)?

Exemptions will be noted on your bill under "Exemption".

What is an Exemption Removal?

Term used when the current owner benefits from an exemption that the previous owner received. The new owner may not be entitled to this exemption, with the new "assessment year" the exemption is removed. The exemption removal amount is determined by the Assessor's Office and is a one time charge for the prior reduction given and not entitled.

How do I Investigate A Property Tax Foreclosure?

Contact the law firm of Phipps Lytle, LLP at 238-2000.

Delinquent Taxes

Contact Monroe County Treasury at 753-1190. 

You can also visit their website at http://www.monroecounty.gov/finance-index.php