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St Lawrence County Property Tax Grievance, New York

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

St. Lawrence County is the northernmost and largest county in New York State by land area, located along the Canadian border in the North Country region. With Canton as the county seat, the county includes major population centers such as Ogdensburg (the only city), Massena, Potsdam, and Gouverneur. Despite having one of the lowest median property tax bills in the state, St. Lawrence County's 2.1-2.6% effective property tax rate is significantly higher than both the state median of 1.90% and the national median of 1.02%, making property tax grievances an important tool for homeowners seeking relief from overassessment.

Notable cities: Canton, Ogdensburg, Massena, Potsdam, Gouverneur

Median Home

$98,750

Tax Rate

2.60%

Annual Tax

$2,675

Population

108,505

On the typical St Lawrence County home, valued near $98,750 at the county’s effective tax rate of 2.60%, 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 2026 (May 26, 2026 for most towns)

Grievance Day in St. Lawrence County is typically the fourth Tuesday in May, which falls on May 26, 2026 for most towns. However, the City of Ogdensburg and some individual towns may have different dates. You must verify your specific municipality's Grievance Day with your local assessor, as deadlines vary and missing your deadline means waiting another full year to grieve.

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Row of classic New York brownstones. St Lawrence County grievance guide.

How St Lawrence County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: St. Lawrence County Real Property Department and local municipal assessors

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: May (10 days prior to Grievance Day)

In St. Lawrence County, properties are assessed at 100% of market value, meaning your assessed value should equal your home's fair market value. For example, if your home's market value is $98,750 (the county median), at the 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $98,750, resulting in approximately $2,568 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 2.60%. If your assessed value exceeds what your home would actually sell for, you have grounds for a grievance.

The Grievance Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Assessment Review. The Board of Assessment Review consists of three to five appointed members who hear complaints on Grievance Day. You will present your evidence and the assessor may respond. Hearings are typically brief, lasting 10-15 minutes, and the board will mail you their written determination within 30-60 days.

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Step 1: Verify your Grievance Day deadline with your local town or city assessor, as dates vary by municipality. For most St. Lawrence County towns, Grievance Day is the fourth Tuesday in May (May 26, 2026).

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Step 2: Review your tentative assessment roll, which is published on May 1. Check your assessed value against recent comparable home sales in your neighborhood to determine if your property is overassessed.

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Step 3: Obtain and complete Form RP-524 (Complaint on Real Property Assessment) from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website or your local assessor's office. Include your property details, your opinion of market value, and supporting evidence.

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Step 4: Gather evidence to support your grievance, including recent comparable sales of similar properties, photographs showing property condition, repair estimates for defects, and any other documentation proving your home is worth less than the assessed value.

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Step 5: File your completed RP-524 form with your local Board of Assessment Review or assessor on or before Grievance Day. If mailing, ensure it arrives by the deadline (postmark date does not count). Consider scheduling an informal review with the assessor before the formal hearing.

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Step 6: Attend your Board of Assessment Review hearing on Grievance Day, present your evidence professionally, and answer questions from the board members. The BAR will notify you of their determination by July 1 when the final assessment roll is filed.

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Step 7: If denied or unsatisfied with the reduction, you can file for Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) by July 31 for residential properties of one, two, or three families, or file an Article 7 certiorari proceeding in State Supreme Court within 30 days of the final roll filing.

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

Filing Methods

mail:Mail to your local town or city assessor (must be received by Grievance Day, not just postmarked)
in-person:St. Lawrence County Real Property Department, 48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617 or your local municipal assessor's office
online:Check with your local assessor - online filing availability varies by municipality

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable sales (within 6-12 months) of similar properties in your areaPhotographs documenting property condition, defects, or needed repairsProfessional appraisal report (if obtained)Repair estimates or contractor quotes for significant defectsDocumentation of property characteristics (square footage, lot size, age, condition)Market analysis or realtor's opinion of value

St Lawrence County Assessor Contact

St. Lawrence County Real Property Department

Phone: 315-379-2272

Address: 48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617

Website: https://www.stlawco.gov/Departments/RealProperty

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (verify with office)

Tax Exemptions in St Lawrence County

STAR Exemption (School Tax Relief)

Basic STAR: exemption on first $30,000 of home value; Enhanced STAR 2026-2027: exemption on first $88,500 of home value

Reduces school district property taxes for primary residences. Basic STAR available to all eligible homeowners; Enhanced STAR provides greater savings for seniors age 65+.

Eligibility: Basic STAR: owner-occupied primary residence with income of $500,000 or less (credit) or $250,000 or less (exemption). Enhanced STAR: age 65+ by December 31, 2026, with income of $110,750 or less (based on 2024 tax return).Deadline: Register for STAR credit online; Enhanced STAR is now automatic for eligible Basic STAR recipients as of 2026

Senior Citizens Exemption (RP-467)

5% to 50% reduction in assessed value depending on income level (locally determined)

Reduces property taxes by up to 50% for qualifying seniors with limited income. Sliding scale provides partial exemptions for incomes above base limit.

Eligibility: Age 65 or older by December 31, owned and occupied property for 12+ consecutive months. Income limits vary by municipality but can range up to $58,400 for sliding scale benefits. Check with local assessor for your jurisdiction's limits.Deadline: March 1 annually (must renew each year)

Alternative Veterans Exemption (RP-458-a)

15% exemption for wartime service, additional 10% for combat zone service, plus additional exemption equal to 50% of service-connected disability rating

Provides property tax reduction for eligible veterans who served during wartime or in combat zones, with additional benefits for disabled veterans.

Eligibility: Veterans who served during wartime periods (including Cold War as of 2025), received expeditionary medals, or have service-connected disabilities. Must be primary residence. Surviving spouses and Gold Star parents may also qualify.Deadline: March 1 for initial application

Cold War Veterans Exemption (RP-458-b)

10% to 15% reduction in assessed value, with additional benefits for disabled veterans

Property tax exemption for veterans who served during the Cold War period (September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991).

Eligibility: Veterans who served during Cold War era with honorable discharge. Cannot be combined with Alternative Veterans Exemption or Eligible Funds Exemption. Municipality must opt-in to offer this exemption.Deadline: March 1

Persons with Disabilities Exemption (RP-459-c)

Up to 50% reduction in assessed value based on income (similar sliding scale as Senior exemption)

Partial property tax exemption for individuals with disabilities and limited income.

Eligibility: Must qualify for federal Social Security disability benefits or Railroad Retirement disability benefits and meet local income requirements (varies by municipality).Deadline: March 1

St Lawrence County Grievance Packet — $49

Comparable sales evidence, county-specific filing guide, and professional cover letter. Enter your address to get started.

✓ All 50 states✓ Instant results✓ $49 flat fee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to grieve my property taxes in St. Lawrence County in 2026?
The grievance deadline in St. Lawrence County is Grievance Day, which falls on the fourth Tuesday in May for most towns, May 26, 2026. However, the City of Ogdensburg and individual municipalities may have different dates. It is critical to verify your specific town or city's Grievance Day with your local assessor, as the deadline is strictly enforced. If you file even one day late, you must wait an entire year to challenge your assessment. Your grievance form (RP-524) must be received by the assessor or Board of Assessment Review by the end of Grievance Day, not just postmarked.
How do I file a property tax grievance in St. Lawrence County?
To file a grievance in St. Lawrence County, you must complete Form RP-524 (Complaint on Real Property Assessment) and submit it to your local town or city assessor or Board of Assessment Review on or before Grievance Day. The form is available at www.tax.ny.gov or from your local assessor's office. Include your property information, your opinion of the correct market value, and supporting evidence such as comparable sales data. You can file by mail (must arrive by deadline), in person at your municipal assessor's office, or at the county Real Property Department at 48 Court Street in Canton. After filing, you will receive notice of a hearing before the Board of Assessment Review where you can present your case.
What evidence do I need for a successful property tax grievance in St. Lawrence County?
The most compelling evidence for a St. Lawrence County property tax grievance includes recent comparable sales (within the past 6-12 months) of similar homes in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessed value. You should also bring photographs documenting your property's condition, any defects, or needed repairs. Professional appraisals, contractor repair estimates, and documentation of property characteristics (square footage, lot size, age, condition) strengthen your case. The key is proving that your home's actual market value is lower than your assessed value. Since St. Lawrence County assesses at 100% of market value, your evidence should focus on what your property would realistically sell for in the current market.
What happens at a Board of Assessment Review hearing in St. Lawrence County?
At your Board of Assessment Review hearing in St. Lawrence County, you will meet with a panel of three to five appointed board members who will hear your case. The hearing is typically brief, lasting 10-15 minutes. You will present your evidence showing why your property is overassessed, and the assessor may respond or ask questions. The board may schedule hearings by appointment on Grievance Day or on adjourned dates. You should bring multiple copies of all evidence and present your case professionally, focusing on factual evidence rather than complaints about high taxes or tax rates. The board will review all evidence and mail you a written determination by July 1 when the final assessment roll is filed. If you disagree with the board's decision, you can pursue Small Claims Assessment Review or file an Article 7 proceeding in State Supreme Court.
How much can I save by grieving my property taxes in St. Lawrence County?
The amount you can save depends on how much your assessment is reduced. With St. Lawrence County's effective tax rate of 2.60%, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves you approximately $260 per year in property taxes. For example, if you successfully reduce your assessment from $120,000 to $100,000 (a $20,000 reduction), you would save roughly $520 annually. Given that the median home value in St. Lawrence County is $98,750 and many properties may be overassessed, reductions of $10,000 to $30,000 are possible if you have strong comparable sales evidence. Over time, these savings compound significantly, making the grievance process worthwhile for homeowners with legitimate overassessment issues.
Can I file a Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) in St. Lawrence County if my grievance is denied?
Yes, if you own a one, two, or three-family residential property in St. Lawrence County and are dissatisfied with the Board of Assessment Review's determination, you can file for Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR). The deadline is July 31, 2026, exactly 30 days after the final assessment roll is filed on July 1. SCAR is a low-cost judicial review option conducted in a less formal setting than Supreme Court, designed specifically for residential property owners. You must have first filed a grievance with the Board of Assessment Review to be eligible for SCAR. Filing fees are minimal, and you can represent yourself without an attorney, though legal representation is permitted. SCAR provides another opportunity to challenge your assessment with new or additional evidence.
What exemptions are available to reduce my property taxes in St. Lawrence County?
St. Lawrence County property owners can access several exemptions to reduce their tax burden. The STAR program provides school tax relief, with Enhanced STAR for seniors 65+ (income limit $110,750 for 2026) offering exemptions on the first $88,500 of home value. The Senior Citizens Exemption (RP-467) can reduce your assessed value by up to 50% if you're 65+ and meet local income limits (up to $58,400 in some municipalities). Veterans who served during wartime qualify for the Alternative Veterans Exemption, receiving a 15% reduction plus an additional 10% for combat service and more for service-connected disabilities. Cold War veterans now have their own exemption (10-15%). The Persons with Disabilities Exemption is available for those receiving Social Security disability benefits. Most exemptions require annual applications by March 1. Contact the St. Lawrence County Real Property Department at 315-379-2272 or your local assessor to determine which exemptions you qualify for and how to apply.
Why are my St. Lawrence County property taxes so high compared to my home value?
St. Lawrence County has one of the highest effective property tax rates in New York State at 2.60%, which is significantly above the state median of 1.90% and the national median of 1.02%. This means homeowners pay $2.60 in taxes for every $100 of assessed value annually. While the county has the lowest median home values in New York ($98,750), the tax rate is disproportionately high relative to property values, resulting in median annual tax bills of $2,675, higher than the national median of $2,400. This high rate reflects the cost of funding local services, schools, and county government across a large rural area with a relatively small tax base. If your assessment is accurate but you still feel taxes are too high, grieving your assessment can only help if you're overassessed. Consider applying for available exemptions like STAR, senior, or veteran exemptions to reduce your tax burden.

Official Resources

St. Lawrence County Real Property Department →

Official county website with assessment rolls, tax maps, grievance forms, and contact information for local assessors.

New York State Property Tax Grievance Form RP-524 →

Download the official complaint form required to file a property tax grievance in St. Lawrence County.

NYS Office of Real Property Tax Services - Contesting Your Assessment →

State resource providing detailed guidance on the grievance process, deadlines, and what to expect during your appeal.

St. Lawrence County Grievance Tools and Forms →

County page with grievance day dates, RP-524 form, instructions, and Small Claims Assessment Review information specific to St. Lawrence County.

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.stlawco.gov/Departments/RealProperty | https://www.stlawco.gov/Departments/RealProperty/Assessment | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/new-york/st.-lawrence-county | https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/contest/grievproced.htm | https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/eligibility.htm

Last verified: 2026-07-22