Genesee County Property Tax Grievance, New York

Travis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

Genesee County is located in western New York between Buffalo and Rochester, with Batavia serving as the county seat and only city. The county has a population of approximately 58,400 residents across 13 towns and 6 villages. Property tax grievances are particularly important in Genesee County due to its high effective tax rate of 3.18%, which is significantly above the national median of 1.02%. With a median home value of $137,000 and median annual property tax bill of $4,359, homeowners pay nearly $2,000 more per year than the national median, making assessment review critical for controlling property tax costs.

Notable cities: Batavia, Le Roy, Bergen, Oakfield, Pembroke

Median Home

$137,000

Tax Rate

3.18%

Annual Tax

$4,359

Population

58,400

On the typical Genesee County home, valued near $137,000 at the county’s effective tax rate of 3.18%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you grieve it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Grievance Deadline: Fourth Tuesday in May (May 26, 2026 for most towns; May 28, 2026 for City of Batavia)

Grievance Day in Genesee County falls on the fourth Tuesday in May for most towns (May 26, 2026). However, the City of Batavia has adopted an alternate date of May 28, 2026. Form RP-524 must be received by the Board of Assessment Review on or before Grievance Day - postmark date does not count. Property owners should confirm their specific municipality's deadline with their local assessor.

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How Genesee County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Genesee County Real Property Tax Services

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Spring (typically mid-May)

New York State assesses property at 100% of market value, meaning your assessed value should equal your property's full market value. If your home's market value is $137,000, at Genesee County's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $137,000, resulting in approximately $4,359 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 3.18%. Assessment notices are mailed in spring, typically reaching homeowners by mid-May, which triggers the grievance filing period.

The Grievance Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Assessment Review. The Board of Assessment Review consists of 3-5 appointed local residents who meet on Grievance Day to hear complaints. The assessor attends hearings but does not vote. You can present evidence, testimony, and comparable sales data. Hearings are typically informal and last 10-15 minutes per property.

Step 1: Review your tentative assessment notice received in spring (typically mid-May) and compare your assessed value to similar properties using the county's PROS system at geneseecounty.prosgar.com

Step 2: Gather supporting evidence including recent comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood, photographs of property condition issues, repair estimates for defects, and recent appraisals if available

Step 3: Complete Form RP-524 (Complaint on Real Property Assessment) available from your local assessor or at tax.ny.gov, providing your estimated market value and grounds for complaint (unequal assessment or excessive assessment)

Step 4: File the completed RP-524 form with supporting documentation to your local Board of Assessment Review or assessor's office on or before Grievance Day (May 26, 2026 for most towns, May 28, 2026 for City of Batavia) - the form must be received by the deadline, not just postmarked

Step 5: Consider scheduling an informal review with your assessor before Grievance Day to potentially resolve the dispute through stipulation without a formal hearing

Step 6: If you requested a formal hearing, attend the Board of Assessment Review hearing on Grievance Day to present your case with evidence - the BAR consists of 3-5 appointed local residents who will review your complaint

Step 7: Receive written determination from the Board of Assessment Review, typically within several weeks of the hearing

Step 8: If dissatisfied with the BAR decision, file an Article 7 proceeding in New York State Supreme Court within 30 days of receiving the final assessment roll, or pursue Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) if eligible

Required form: Form RP-524 (Complaint on Real Property Assessment)

Filing Methods

mail:Mail to: Genesee County Real Property Tax Services, 15 Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 - must be received by Grievance Day, not just postmarked

in-person:Deliver in person to Genesee County Real Property Tax Services, 15 Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020, Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm

local_assessor:File with your town or city assessor - contact your local assessor's office for specific filing instructions

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable sales of similar properties in your areaPhotographs showing property condition or defectsProfessional appraisal report (if available)Repair estimates for structural or mechanical issuesAssessment data showing unequal treatment compared to similar properties

Genesee County Assessor Contact

Genesee County Real Property Tax Services

Website: https://www.geneseeny.gov/Department-Content/Treasurer-and-Real-Property

Online Portal: https://geneseecounty.prosgar.com/

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm (Summer hours: 8am-4:30pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Tax Exemptions in Genesee County

Basic STAR (School Tax Relief)

$30,000 reduction from school taxable value

Reduces school property taxes for owner-occupied primary residences

Eligibility: Property must be primary residence with combined household income of $250,000 or lessDeadline: March 1 (taxable status date)

Enhanced STAR

Enhanced reduction for seniors (income limit $98,700 for 2026)

Provides greater school tax reduction for eligible seniors

Eligibility: At least one owner must be 65+ by December 31 of exemption year; combined household income must not exceed $98,700Deadline: March 1 (taxable status date)

Senior Citizens' Homeowners' Exemption (SCHE)

Up to 50% reduction in assessed value

Reduces assessed value for county, town, and school taxes

Eligibility: Age 65+ with combined household income under approximately $58,399 (must be adopted by locality)Deadline: March 1 (taxable status date)

Veterans Exemption

Varies based on service and disability rating

Partial exemption for qualifying veterans for county, city, town, and village taxes (not school taxes)

Eligibility: Veterans with honorable discharge; enhanced benefits for disabled veteransDeadline: March 1 (taxable status date)

Disabled Homeowners Exemption

Varies by locality

Exemption for homeowners with disabilities

Eligibility: Must meet disability requirements and income limits set by localityDeadline: March 1 (taxable status date)

Genesee County Grievance Packet — $49

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to grieve my property taxes in Genesee County?

The grievance deadline in Genesee County is the fourth Tuesday in May, which is May 26, 2026 for most towns. However, the City of Batavia has adopted an alternate date of May 28, 2026. Your Form RP-524 must be received by the Board of Assessment Review on or before Grievance Day - postmark date does not count, so mailing it on the deadline is too late. Always confirm your specific municipality's deadline with your local assessor, as villages that assess separately may have different dates.

How do I file a property tax grievance in Genesee County?

To file a grievance in Genesee County, complete Form RP-524 (Complaint on Real Property Assessment) available from your local assessor or at tax.ny.gov. Include your property information, estimated market value, and grounds for complaint along with supporting documentation such as comparable sales, photos, or appraisals. File the completed form with your local Board of Assessment Review or assessor's office by Grievance Day. You can file in person at the Real Property Tax Services office at 15 Main Street in Batavia, or mail it to ensure it's received by the deadline. Consider scheduling an informal review with your assessor before the deadline to potentially resolve the issue without a formal hearing.

What exemptions can lower my property taxes in Genesee County?

Genesee County offers several exemptions that can significantly reduce your property tax bill. The Basic STAR exemption reduces school taxable value by $30,000 for homeowners with income under $250,000. Seniors age 65+ with income under $98,700 qualify for Enhanced STAR, providing greater savings. The Senior Citizens' Homeowners' Exemption (SCHE) can reduce assessed value by up to 50% for seniors with income under $58,399 if adopted by your locality. Veterans and disabled homeowners may also qualify for additional exemptions. All exemption applications must be filed with your local assessor by March 1.

What happens at a Board of Assessment Review hearing in Genesee County?

At a Board of Assessment Review hearing in Genesee County, you present your case to a panel of 3-5 appointed local residents who review grievance complaints on Grievance Day. The hearing is typically informal and lasts 10-15 minutes per property. You can present evidence including comparable sales, photographs, appraisals, and testimony explaining why your assessment is too high. The assessor attends the hearing and has the right to be heard but does not vote on the decision. You can appear personally with or without an attorney. After all hearings are concluded, the Board deliberates and mails you a written determination explaining their decision and the reasons for any assessment changes.

How much can I save by grieving my property taxes in Genesee County?

The savings from a successful grievance in Genesee County depend on how much your assessment is reduced. With Genesee County's effective tax rate of 3.18%, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves approximately $318 per year in property taxes. For example, if your home's assessed value is reduced from $137,000 to $120,000 (a $17,000 reduction), you would save approximately $541 annually. Given that the median tax bill in Genesee County is $4,359, significantly higher than the national median of $2,400, even modest assessment reductions can provide substantial relief over time.

What evidence do I need for a Genesee County property tax grievance?

The strongest evidence for a Genesee County grievance includes recent comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood showing lower sale prices than your assessment. Provide at least three comparable properties with similar size, age, condition, and location that sold within the past 12 months. Photographs documenting property defects, damage, or condition issues are valuable, along with contractor estimates for needed repairs. A professional appraisal conducted within the past year carries significant weight. You can also demonstrate unequal assessment by using the Residential Assessment Ratio (RAR) to show your property is assessed at a higher percentage than similar properties. Access comparable sales data through the county's PROS system at geneseecounty.prosgar.com.

Can I grieve my assessment if I just bought my home in Genesee County?

Yes, you can grieve your assessment in Genesee County even if you recently purchased your home. In fact, a recent purchase price below your assessed value is strong evidence for a grievance. If you bought your home for $125,000 but it's assessed at $140,000, that $15,000 difference demonstrates your assessment exceeds market value. Include your closing statement and deed as evidence when filing Form RP-524. However, if you purchased through a non-arm's-length transaction (such as from a family member) or in a distressed sale (foreclosure or estate sale), the purchase price may carry less weight. You must still file by Grievance Day (May 26, 2026 for most towns) even if you recently purchased.

What if I miss the Grievance Day deadline in Genesee County?

If you miss Grievance Day in Genesee County, you generally lose your right to challenge your assessment for that year and must wait until the following year to file a grievance. New York law provides very limited exceptions for missed deadlines. There is no extension or late filing option for most property owners. This makes it critical to calendar Grievance Day and file well before the deadline. If you mail your Form RP-524, send it certified mail with return receipt to prove timely delivery, as it must be received by Grievance Day, not just postmarked. To avoid missing next year's deadline, mark your calendar now for May 2027 Grievance Day, which will likely fall on the fourth Tuesday in May.

Official Resources

Genesee County Real Property Tax Services →

Official county real property tax office with forms, exemption information, and local assessor contacts.

Genesee County PROS Property Search →

Online property record system to search assessments, view comparable sales, and access property tax information for any parcel in Genesee County.

New York State Form RP-524 →

Official grievance form (Complaint on Real Property Assessment) required to file a property tax grievance in New York State.

NYS Property Tax Grievance Guide →

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance official guide to the property tax grievance process, procedures, and requirements.

For state-wide grievance information including New York's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our New York Property Tax Grievance Guide →

Considering professional help with your grievance? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Grievance Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

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← All New York property tax grievance info

Sources: https://www.ownwell.com/trends/new-york/genesee-county | https://www.geneseeny.gov/Department-Content/Treasurer-and-Real-Property | https://geneseecounty.prosgar.com/ | https://nickelcitybuyers.com/grievance-day-new-york-state-2026/ | https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/contest/grievproced.htm

Last verified: 2026-07-22