Your Harrietstown Assessment Doubled. Here is What the Numbers Actually Mean.
If your Harrietstown assessment doubled, here is what it actually means for your tax bill — and exactly what to do before May 27.
If you own property in Harrietstown, you have seen the notice. Your assessed value went up. In many cases, it more than doubled.
Before you panic — or before you accept it — here is what is actually happening and what it does and does not mean for your tax bill.
What Happened
Harrietstown completed its first full property reassessment in 15 years. Property values across the North Country have risen significantly — in many cases more than doubling — and the town was required to bring its assessment rolls up to current market value. Assessor Marten Tichenor posted the official notice on January 28 at harrietstown.gov.
Does a Higher Assessment Mean a Higher Tax Bill
Not necessarily. Your tax bill is determined by two things: your assessed value, and the tax rate. When assessments rise across the board, the town adjusts the tax rate downward to collect the same total amount of revenue. If your assessment went up roughly in line with everyone else, your bill may not change much at all.
Where you have a problem is if your assessment went up MORE than your neighbors. That means you are being asked to pay a larger share of the total tax burden than before. That is when you file a grievance.
What You Can Do
Grievance Day is Tuesday, May 26. Appointments are required — call 518-891-0436 or email assessor@harrietstown.gov now. Submit your completed RP-524 form by May 20 to guarantee your appointment. The form is available at tax.ny.gov.
Recent comparable sales in your neighborhood are your strongest argument. If denied, you can file a Small Claims Assessment Review with the courts for $30. Many homeowners win at this stage.
Grievance Day: Tuesday May 26, 5-9pm, Harrietstown Town Hall basement, appointment only. Call 518-891-0436. Submit RP-524 by May 20.