A Message from the Assessor

My staff and I welcome you. Our office is available to assist you in any way possible with the assessment policies and procedures governed by the New York State Real Property Tax Law.

Our department is responsible for determining and maintaining assessments, property inventory records, ownership interest and maps on approximately 14,500 parcels. There are approximately 1,200 deeds processed yearly by our office. Our staff provides this information to taxpayers, appraisers, bankers, realtors, attorneys and others. There are also various real property tax exemptions available to eligible property owners.

We receive a copy of all building permits issued by the City of Troy. Our staff reviews and evaluates each of these permits for either inventory or assessment changes. This process also requires our appraisal staff to produce a supportable and defensible estimate of value from each permit. This value then becomes the new assessment.

We pride ourselves on providing friendly service for each and every individual.

Tina Dimitriadis
City of Troy, Assessor

Assessor's Responsibilities:

1. Determine and maintain assessments, property inventory records, ownership interest, exemptions and maps on approximately 14,500 parcels.
2. Locate all taxable property in the City and identify the ownership. Establish a taxable value for all property subject to taxation. List the values of all property on the Assessment roll. To establish the value of any parcel of property, the Assessor may need to know the purchase price (if any), the selling prices of similar property, what it costs to replace property, what rent it may earn, how much it takes to operate and keep it in repair and many other facts affecting its value. Real estate sales are carefully analyzed to make sure they are valid market sales (arms length transactions). When several sales are confirmed and analyzed, they are considered good indicators of similar property's value. Since the appraisal process is designated to determine the "market value," this method is preferred because it reflects the actions of the majority of purchasers and users in the market place.
3. Assist taxpayers with completing the following exemption application forms and determining their eligibility: Seniors, Alternative Veterans, Enhanced Senior Star, Basic Star, Disability, Business, Clergy, and Wholly Exempt. The last day for filing all exemption applications for any given year is March 1. To view the various exemption forms, instruction sheets and commonly asked questions and answers, visit the New York State Office of Real Property Services web site
4. Any business applying for status under the jurisdiction of the City of Troy or Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency must file an application with the Assessor's Office by March 1. A copy of the payment in lieu of the tax agreement must accompany the application
5. Providing the City of Troy, Rensselaer County, and School Districts with their total assessed taxable values which is required to determine tax rates
6. Apportion the assessment on all special franchise properties which are utility properties located on roll section 5 of the assessment roll.
7. Determine the assessment on all public service properties which are located on roll section 6 (utility and non ceiling railroad) of the assessment roll.
8. Providing the New York State Office of Real Property Services with an Annual Assessors Report reflecting all assessment changes from year to year including all new construction assessments, exemptions, Board of Assessment Reviews, Small Claims and Certiorari Proceeding adjustments.
9. Defending our assessment roll cases involving the Board of Assessment Review, Small Claims Hearings and Certiorari Proceedings.
   Assessment Appeal Process

If you believe your assessment is incorrect, please feel free to contact the City of Troy Assessor's Office. Our appraisal staff will be happy to listen to your concerns regarding your assessment.

The following information may help you prepare for your meeting with us so that we may understand your situation:

1. Recent purchase contracts;
2. Recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood;
3. Current appraisal of your property.

If you are not satisfied with the determination made by the assessor after the informal review process, a complaint may be filed with the City of Troy Board of Assessment Review. The dates for filing the complaint form are between May 1st and the 4th Tuesday in May. Grievance Day is always the 4th Tuesday of May each year.

Requirements for the New STAR Exemption

Basic STAR applications may be mailed to the Assessor's Office. The applications must be completed and signed by all owners. We may require copies of drivers licenses as proof of residency.

For Senior Enhanced STAR, please come into our office. We need copies of your latest Federal Income Tax Return, and copies of deeds and drivers licenses for proof of residency and proof of age. We will gladly help you complete the application and make sure you have all the necessary documentation.

Key Dates Affecting the Assessment Process

Exemption Filing Deadline - March 1 The last day for filing all exemption applications for the current year. Applications may be filed subsequent to March 1, effective for the following year.
Taxable Status Date - March 1 The date property is valued according to ownership and condition each year.
Tentative Roll Filed - May 1
Grievance Day - 4th Tuesday in May
Final Roll Filed - July 1

Frequently Asked Questions

Where may I obtain exemption application forms and when must they be filed?
All exemption applications may be obtained at the Assessor's Office in City Hall, weekdays between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. All exemption applications must be filed no later than March 1.

BASIC STAR exemptions are for any resident owning property and residing on the property. All owners must complete the application and sign it. To print out a BASIC STAR exemption application, access the New York State Office of Real Property Services on the web at: http://www.orps.state.ny.us/star.

Enhanced STAR (over age 65 and adjusted gross income minus any taxable IRA distribution for all owners must total $64,650 or less). Please call the Assessor's office at 270-4408.

How do I challenge my Assessment?
A grievance complaint form may be filed after May 1; but no later than Grievance Day which is the 4th Tuesday in May. Forms may be obtained at the Assessor's Office beginning May 1.

At what ratio is property assessed in the City of Troy?
The City of Troy currently assesses at 22% of market value.

When does my assessment change?
Assessments change as a result of new construction, fires, demolitions and or rehabilitations.

Can I view assessors tax maps?
Yes, you can view any parcel on the maps in the Assessor's office.

How to Contact the Assessor's Office
Mailing Address:
1 Monument Square, Troy, NY 12180
Phone Number:
(518) 270-4408