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1. What is the deadline for filing exemptions?

Applications for exemptions must be received by the Assessor's Office by the close of business on March 1 or post-marked by the United States Post Office on or before March 1. If March 1st falls on a weekend, the application must be received by the following Monday. Please note, some exemptions are renewable and have to be filed each year.

New legislation was enacted in 2016 which made changes to the STAR program. Homeowners who purchased their homes after March 1, 2015 and/or those applying for a new STAR applicants after March 1, 2015 must register with NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. To register for the STAR credit, go to https://www.tax.ny.gov/star/. If you have questions, please call NYSDTF at 518-457-2036.

2. Is there any way to reduce the amount of taxes I pay?

NYS STAR exemptions pertain to school taxes. There are other exemptions available for property taxes as well. Check to see if you are eligible for an exemption.

3. What is the equalization rate?

The Equalization Rate (ER) is the State of New York’s measure of a municipality’s level of assessment – it is a multiplier used to equalize assessed value into market value. In other words, by applying the equalization rate to the assessed value you will get an estimate, based on the Town's records, of the current market value of the property. Note that this is not necessarily what your house would sell for in a particular housing market.

4. What is the RAR (Residential Assessment Ratio)?

The Residential Assessment Ratio (RAR) is defined as a value equal to the level of assessment of residential property. The RAR is used by the Assessor as a general measure of assessment equity and by taxpayers to determine the market value based on the assessed value that the Assessor has placed on the property.

5. How do I get a copy of a survey of or deed to my property?

Surveys are filed in the Albany County Clerk’s Office, 16 Eagle St Rm 128 Albany, NY 12207. Surveys are filed by map and drawer numbers that are shown on the deed. To obtain a copy of your survey, contact the County Records Department at 518-487-5120. You may also submit a Freedom of Information request to the Town Clerk of Bethlehem asking for a copy of your survey. If your survey is on record and you have indicated that you would like a copy, you will be charged a fee of $0.25 per page for each copy produced.

Deeds are also stored by Albany County and can be searched online at https://www.albanycounty.com/government/county-clerk/services/online-records-search.