Challenging your Property Assessment

CITY OF LACKAWANNA ASSESSMENT GRIEVANCE PROCESS

Sales data, property inventory, assessed values, grievance forms (RP-524) and instructions are available above.

• Grievance Filing Period – DECEMBER 1st – Grievance Day. Original signed and dated applications must be RECEIVED (not postmarked) by the ASSESSMENT OFFICE, 714 Ridge Rd. rm 213 Lackawanna NY 14218 on or before close of business on Grievance Day. WE DO NOT ACCEPT ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS.
• Grievance forms and instructions may be obtained by visiting the City’s website at the link provided above or by calling 716-827-6473.
• The following form items must be completed and supporting documentation must be provided for the Board of Assessment Review to consider the challenge. Please fill in completely Part 1, Items 1, 2, (3, if a representative is chosen), 4, 5, 6 and 7. Part 2 – items relevant to specific property. Part 3 – items relevant to specific property. Complete Part 4 if authorizing someone to represent you. Part 5 – do not forget to sign and date your challenge form. Please include your phone number and email address for our office to contact you during this process.
• A SEPARATE FORM MUST BE USED FOR EACH PARCEL BEING CHALLENGED.
• State law assumes the assessment is correct. Therefore, property owners must prove that their estimate of value is correct. Written evidence supporting the lower value MUST be provided in order for a reduction to be considered.
• FAILURE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OR TO COMPLY WITH REQUESTS OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW CAN RESULT IN DISMISSAL OF THE GRIEVANCE.
• Board of Assessment Review Hearings – You are required to submit any evidence via mail or in person with your application.
• If you wish to have an in person hearing before the Board of -Assessment Review, you must contact the Assessment Office at 716-827-6473.  THERE WILL BE NO RESCHEDULING OF HEARINGS. If you choose not to request a HEARING, your challenge will be processed as a non-hearing.
• Results of the assessment challenges are mailed March 1st to the address provided on the grievance form.

Some types of proof for residential owner-occupied properties are:

• Copy of a recent appraisal if recently mortgaged or refinanced,
• Sales of homes similar to your own that have recently sold for less than your current full market value determination,
• Copy of a recent purchase offer,
• Photographs of kitchens, baths, attics, exteriors, and similar properties

Some types of proof for income or non-residential properties are:

• Current leases;
• Rent rolls, income & expense statements
• Appraisals from last 3 years for mortgage or refinance;
• Purchase contract offer from last 3 years;
• Photographs & surveys

DO NOT SUBMIT ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS; MATERIALS WILL NOT BE RETURNED

THIS INFORMATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS

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Assessment Office City Hall Room 213, 714 Ridge Rd, Lackawanna, New York 14218
Telephone: (716) 827-6473
Assessor Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM