Buyer guides
Plain answers to the property tax questions that come up when you buy a home in Central New York.
Why your property tax goes up after you buy a home in New York
New York does not reassess a home because it sold, but the seller’s personal exemptions end with the sale, so the buyer’s bill is often higher than the one in the listing.
The STAR credit for new homeowners in Central New York (2026)
New homeowners get STAR as a check from New York State toward the school tax. Basic STAR needs household income of $500,000 or less; Enhanced STAR is for owners 65 or older with income of $110,750 or less for 2026.
How to challenge your property assessment in Oneida and Madison County (Grievance Day)
In most towns, Grievance Day is the fourth Tuesday in May: file form RP-524 with the assessor or Board of Assessment Review by then. Cities set their own dates: the City of Rome’s is always the first Tuesday in August.
How New York property tax rates work: per $1,000, level of assessment and effective rate
New York tax rates are per $1,000 of assessed value, and each town assesses at its own share of market value, so compare towns by the effective rate: the rate times the level of assessment.
How property taxes are split at closing in New York
At closing, each property tax is usually divided at the closing date over the period it covers, so you pay back the seller for days they prepaid, or the seller credits you for days not yet billed. Your attorney’s closing statement has the exact figures.
City of Utica property tax due dates and bills
In the City of Utica, city tax is billed at the end of March and paid in three installments due by the end of April, July and January. School tax is billed at the end of August with installments due by the first Tuesday of October and December. Oneida County tax is billed at the end of December and due by the end of January.
City of Rome property tax due dates
In the City of Rome, Oneida County tax is due February 28. City tax is paid in two halves, due April 30 and October 31, and school tax in two halves, the first due October 31 and the second April 30. City taxes may include water, sewer and refuse charges.
First-time home buyer costs in Central New York: taxes at and after closing
Buying a $250,000 home in Oneida or Madison County, budget for the mortgage recording tax ($1 per $100 of the loan in both counties, $2,000 on a $200,000 mortgage), your share of the property taxes at closing, and yearly property tax that typically runs from about $2,835 to $7,155 depending on the town. The seller normally pays the transfer tax.