Monroe County Property Tax Grievance — New York

Rob Hartley·Updated March 5, 2026

Monroe County is located along Lake Ontario's southern shore in upstate New York, with Rochester serving as both the county seat and largest city. As of 2022, the county has a population of approximately 752,000 residents. Major population centers include Rochester (with over 205,000 residents), Greece, Irondequoit, Brighton, and Henrietta. Property tax grievances are especially important in Monroe County, where homeowners face one of the highest median property tax burdens in the United States. The county's effective tax rate of 2.92% is nearly triple the national median of 1.02%, making it critical for property owners to ensure their assessments are accurate.

Notable cities: Rochester, Greece, Irondequoit, Brighton, Henrietta, Webster, Penfield

Median Home

$167,400

Tax Rate

2.92%

Annual Tax

$5,200

Population

752,035

2026 Grievance Deadline: Fourth Tuesday in May (Grievance Day), typically around May 27, 2026

In Monroe County, the deadline to file a property tax grievance is Grievance Day, which is the fourth Tuesday in May each year. For 2026, this falls on approximately May 27th. Grievance filings are accepted beginning May 1st through 8:00 PM on Grievance Day. The form must be received by the local Board of Assessment Review or town assessor's office by this deadline—postmarks do not count. Missing this deadline means losing the right to challenge your assessment for that tax year.

Property in Monroe County, New York — local tax assessment and grievance guide

How Monroe County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Monroe County Real Property Tax Service and Local Town Assessors

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April-May

In Monroe County, properties are assessed at 100% of their market value, meaning the assessed value equals the estimated market value. This differs from some New York counties that use a fractional assessment ratio. For example, if your home's market value is $167,400 (the county median), your assessed value would be $167,400. At the county's effective tax rate of 2.92%, this would result in approximately $4,888 in annual property taxes. Assessment notices are typically mailed to property owners in the spring, usually reaching mailboxes by mid-May, and include both market value and assessed value along with an estimated tax bill.

The Grievance Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Assessment Review. The Board of Assessment Review consists of 3-5 members appointed by your town board. During your hearing, you'll present evidence supporting your claim that your property is overassessed, and the assessor will respond. You may appear personally or with legal representation. The Board will review all evidence and issue a written determination with their reasoning.

Step 1: Review your assessment notice when it arrives in April or May. Verify the market value and assessed value listed for your property match what you believe to be accurate.

Step 2: Research comparable property sales in your area to determine if your assessment is excessive. Use the Monroe County Real Property Portal to view recent sales data and assessments of similar properties.

Step 3: Complete Form RP-524 (Complaint on Real Property Assessment), available from your town assessor or the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website. Include your property information, the assessment you're challenging, and your proposed assessed value.

Step 4: Gather supporting evidence including recent comparable sales, appraisal reports, photographs of property condition issues, repair estimates for defects, and any documentation showing your property is overvalued.

Step 5: File your completed RP-524 form with supporting documentation to your local town assessor's office or Board of Assessment Review between May 1st and Grievance Day (fourth Tuesday in May) no later than 8:00 PM. You may request a hearing or submit for review without appearing.

Step 6: Attend your Board of Assessment Review hearing if scheduled (typically held on or shortly after Grievance Day). Present your evidence and explain why your assessment should be reduced. The assessor will also present their case.

Step 7: Receive the Board's written determination, which must include the reasons for their decision. If granted a reduction, it will appear on the final assessment roll filed around July 1st.

Step 8: If dissatisfied with the Board's decision, file a Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) petition with the Monroe County Clerk's Office at 39 West Main Street within 30 days of the final assessment roll filing (by approximately July 30th). This low-cost option is available for residential properties.

Step 9: Alternatively, pursue an Article 7 Tax Certiorari proceeding in New York State Supreme Court within the same timeframe as SCAR filing. This judicial review option is available to all property owners but typically requires legal representation.

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

Filing Methods

in-person:File with your local town assessor's office or Board of Assessment Review. Monroe County has 21 assessing jurisdictions, so contact your specific town assessor for their office location.

mail:Mail completed Form RP-524 with supporting documentation to your town assessor's office. Must be received (not postmarked) by Grievance Day at 8:00 PM.

online:Monroe County Real Property Portal at https://www.monroecounty.gov/etc/rp/ for property research and tax payment, but grievance forms must typically be filed in person or by mail with individual town assessors.

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable sales of similar properties in your area showing lower valuesProfessional appraisal report dated close to the assessment valuation date (July 1 of prior year)Photographs documenting property condition issues, defects, or damageRepair estimates or contractor quotes for needed improvementsDocumentation of factors negatively affecting value (location issues, environmental concerns, etc.)

Monroe County Assessor Contact

Monroe County Real Property Tax Service

Phone: (585) 753-1125

Address: 39 West Main Street, Room 304, County Office Building, Rochester, NY 14614

Website: https://www.monroecounty.gov/property

Online Portal: https://www.monroecounty.gov/etc/rp/

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (typical county office hours, verify with individual town assessors)

Tax Exemptions in Monroe County

Senior Citizens Exemption

50% exemption for income below $50,000; sliding scale of 5%-45% for income between $50,000-$58,400

Provides a 50% reduction in assessed value for eligible seniors, which can result in substantial tax savings on county, town, village, and school taxes.

Eligibility: Property owner must be 65 years or older (or surviving spouse age 62+), property must be primary residence, and total household income for the previous tax year must be below $58,400. Title must have been vested for at least 60 consecutive months.Deadline: March 1st annually (for some jurisdictions) or at least 90 days before final assessment roll filing

Enhanced STAR (School Tax Relief)

Varies by school district; typically $500-$1,000+ annually

Provides property tax relief specifically for school taxes for senior homeowners, delivered as a check from New York State rather than an exemption on the tax bill.

Eligibility: Property must be primary residence of owner age 65 or older with household income of $110,750 or less in the previous year. Must register with NYS Department of Taxation and Finance.Deadline: Register at www.tax.ny.gov/star or call (518) 457-2036

Alternative Veterans Exemption

Varies based on service-connected disability percentage; ranges from 10%-50% of assessed value for qualifying veterans

Provides partial exemption for eligible veterans who served during designated periods of war or conflict, including Cold War veterans. Applies to town, county, and village taxes only (not school taxes).

Eligibility: Must be honorably discharged veteran (or unmarried surviving spouse) who served during defined war periods or Cold War (Sept 2, 1945 - Dec 26, 1991). Property must be primary residence. DD-214 and disability rating certification required if applicable.Deadline: March 1st annually for initial application

Persons with Disabilities and Limited Income Exemption

50% exemption for income below $29,000 (county); 50% for income below $50,000 (town/village/school); sliding scale for income between thresholds up to $58,400

Provides tax relief on a sliding scale for property owners with qualifying disabilities and limited household income, applicable to town, county, village, and school taxes.

Eligibility: Owner must receive Social Security disability, Railroad Retirement disability benefits, Veterans Affairs disability pension, or be legally blind. Property must be primary residence. Maximum household income of $58,400 in previous year.Deadline: March 1st annually

Official Resources

Monroe County Real Property Tax Service - Official Website →

Official county website providing information on property assessments, tax rates, and contact information for local assessors.

Monroe County Real Property Portal →

Online portal to search property information, view assessment data, research comparable sales, and pay property taxes.

NYS Form RP-524 - Property Tax Grievance Form →

Official New York State grievance form (Complaint on Real Property Assessment) required to challenge your property assessment in Monroe County.

New York State Property Tax Exemptions Guide →

Comprehensive guide from NYS Department of Taxation and Finance explaining available property tax exemptions including senior, veteran, and disability exemptions.

Check Your Monroe County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to grieve my property taxes in Monroe County for 2026?

The deadline to file a property tax grievance in Monroe County is Grievance Day, which falls on the fourth Tuesday in May each year. For 2026, this is approximately May 27th. You can begin filing your grievance on May 1st, and all forms must be received (not just postmarked) by your local town assessor's office or Board of Assessment Review by 8:00 PM on Grievance Day. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to challenge your assessment for the 2026 tax year, so it's critical to file on time.

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

To file a property tax grievance in Monroe County, you must complete Form RP-524 (Complaint on Real Property Assessment) and submit it with supporting documentation to your local town assessor's office or Board of Assessment Review between May 1st and Grievance Day (fourth Tuesday in May). Since Monroe County has 21 different assessing jurisdictions, you'll file with your specific town rather than the county. Supporting evidence should include comparable sales data, photos of property issues, appraisals, or repair estimates. You can choose to attend a hearing to present your case in person, or you can request that the Board review your application without your appearance.

What is Monroe County's assessment ratio and how does it affect my property taxes?

Monroe County assesses properties at 100% of market value, meaning your assessed value should equal what your property would sell for on the open market. This is higher than some New York counties that use fractional assessment ratios. For example, if your home is worth $167,400 (the county median), your assessed value would be $167,400. This assessed value is then multiplied by the combined tax rates from your town, county, school district, and any special districts. At Monroe County's effective tax rate of 2.92%, this would result in approximately $4,888 in annual taxes. Understanding this 100% ratio is important when evaluating whether your property is overassessed.

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

At a Board of Assessment Review hearing in Monroe County, you'll appear before a panel of 3-5 board members appointed by your town to present evidence that your property is overassessed. You have the right to appear personally, with or without an attorney or representative. During the hearing, you'll present your comparable sales data, appraisals, photographs, and other evidence supporting your requested assessment reduction. The town assessor will also attend and present their justification for the current assessment. The Board will ask questions and review all evidence before making their determination. After the hearing, you'll receive written notice of the Board's decision including their reasoning, typically within a few weeks.

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

Potential savings from a successful property tax grievance in Monroe County depend on how much your assessment is reduced and your local tax rates. With Monroe County's effective tax rate of 2.92%, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves approximately $292 annually in property taxes. For example, if you successfully reduce your assessment from $200,000 to $180,000, you could save approximately $584 per year. Given that Monroe County has one of the highest property tax rates in the nation—with median tax bills of $5,200 compared to the national median of $2,400—even modest assessment reductions can result in significant savings over time. These savings continue year after year until your next reassessment.

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

For a successful Monroe County property tax grievance, you need compelling evidence that your property is overassessed compared to its true market value. The most persuasive evidence includes recent sales of three or more comparable properties in your area that sold for less than your assessed value, adjusted for differences in size, age, condition, and features. A professional appraisal conducted close to the July 1st valuation date is extremely valuable. Photographs documenting property condition issues, defects, or needed repairs help demonstrate why your value should be lower. Contractor estimates for necessary repairs, evidence of environmental issues, or documentation of factors negatively affecting your property's marketability also strengthen your case. The key is showing the Board of Assessment Review that similar properties are assessed lower or that specific issues justify a reduction.

Can I appeal my Monroe County property tax grievance decision if I'm not satisfied?

Yes, if you're dissatisfied with your Board of Assessment Review decision in Monroe County, you have two appeal options. The first is Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR), available for owner-occupied residential properties of one, two, or three families. SCAR petitions must be filed with the Monroe County Clerk's Office at 39 West Main Street within 30 days after the final assessment roll is filed (around July 1st), so typically by late July. SCAR is a low-cost option with modest filing fees. The second option is an Article 7 Tax Certiorari proceeding filed in New York State Supreme Court within the same timeframe. This judicial review option is available to all property owners but typically requires hiring an attorney. Both options provide an independent review of your assessment beyond the local Board's decision.

What exemptions are available to reduce my property taxes in Monroe County?

Monroe County offers several valuable property tax exemptions. The Senior Citizens Exemption provides a 50% assessment reduction for homeowners age 65+ with household income below $50,000, or a sliding scale reduction for incomes between $50,000-$58,400. The Enhanced STAR exemption reduces school taxes for seniors age 65+ with income under $110,750. The Alternative Veterans Exemption offers 10%-50% reductions for qualifying veterans based on disability rating, applying to town, county, and village taxes. The Persons with Disabilities and Limited Income Exemption provides up to 50% assessment reduction for disabled homeowners with qualifying income below $58,400. Most exemptions require application by March 1st annually. Since exemptions can save thousands of dollars per year, it's essential to apply if you qualify.

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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Sources: https://www.monroecounty.gov/property | https://www.monroecounty.gov/etc/rp/ | https://www.monroecounty.gov/finance-treasury | https://www.monroecounty.gov/property-assessmentdates | https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/contest/grievproced.htm | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/new-york/monroe-county | https://www.tax-rates.org/new_york/monroe_county_property_tax | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monroe_County,_New_York

Last verified: 2026-03-05