Chris Semon
Sole Assessor
Memorial Town Hall
534 Loudon Road
Newtonville, NY 12128
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About the Department |
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What's New |
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Important Dates |
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Programs and Services |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Contact Information |
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Related Links |
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Our department is responsible for determining and maintaining assessments, property inventory records, ownership interest and maps on approximately 30,000 parcels. There are over 2,000 deeds processed yearly by our office. This process involves plotting deeds, adjusting parcel sizes, and transferring ownership interest on our records. Our staff provides this information to taxpayers, appraisers, bankers, realtors, attorneys and others. There is a personal computer available in our office designated for public use to access this information. There are various real property tax exemptions available to eligible property owners. We receive a copy of all building permits issued by the Town of Colonie, the Village of Colonie, and the Village of Menands. Our appraisal 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. Assessor's Responsibilities 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. Utilizing these facts, there are three different approaches the Assessor can take to find a property's value: The cost approach is based upon the total of the current costs necessary to replace the property. This includes the current cost of labor, materials and indirect costs such as architectural fees, land development costs, construction financing, etc. The Assessor will also consider any depreciation which may exist. The income approach is the preferred method for appraising income-producing properties (investment properties), such as apartments, hotels, motels, business property, etc. The Assessor must consider operating expenses, taxes, insurance, maintenance costs and the degree of financial risk the owner takes in earning income from the property. Also, the expected return for this kind of property is considered. The market approach is a comparison of the property to be appraised with other similar properties that have been sold in the same or similar neighborhood. This is done very carefully since the property being appraised may have sold for more than it was worth, or for less. Using this approach, the Assessor must always consider such over- and under-pricing to arrive at a fair evaluation of the property value. 4) Any business applying for status under the jurisdiction of the Town of Colonie Industrial Development Agency or Albany County Industrial Agency must file an application with the Assessor's Office by March 1. A copy of the pilot agreement must accompany the application. 5) Providing the Town of Colonie, Albany County, School Districts, and Fire 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
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 will need copies of drivers licenses for all owners 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 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.
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
If you believe your assessment is incorrect, please feel free to contact the Town of Colonie 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: If you are not satisfied with the determination made by the assessor after the informal review process, a complaint may be filed with the Town of Colonie 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 will need copies of drivers licenses for all owners 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 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.
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 Memorial Town Hall, weekdays between
8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. The STAR exemption applications can also be obtained
at the William K. Sanford Town Library Information Desk. All exemption
applications must be filed no later than March 1. 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. When does my assessment change? Assessments change as a result of new construction, fires, demolitions and periodic Town wide assessment updates which are necessary in maintaining an equitable assessment roll. Can I view assessors tax maps? Yes, you can view any parcel on the maps in the Assessor's office, or on the web at http://maphost.com/colonie/
Mailing Address: Phone Number: Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
New York State Office of Real Property Services
http://www.colonie.org/assessor/ |
