One of the biggest expenses Long Islanders face is property taxes, but there could be a way to lower them.

Massapequa Park resident Angela Sadowsky says she also felt her taxes were a little high. So, for the past several years she has filed a tax grievance to get her tax assessment lowered. She says each year she has been successful and has saved several thousand dollars.

"It takes you about five minutes ? 10 minutes at the most to fill a form out, you mail it and forget about it," Sadowsky says.

Experts say with the lower house prices on Long Island, property taxes should be lower too. Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone adds that the recession has led to more people filing protests.

Homeowners can send out tax grievances on their own or they can hire an attorney who specializes in the field. Attorney Fred Perry, of Mineola, says many homeowners on the Island are over-assessed and should think about filing a complaint.

The deadline to file for a grievance in Nassau County has already passed for this year. In Suffolk, each town does its own assessment and the deadlines are next month.

And with tax day just a few weeks away, many may find themselves owing Uncle Sam. However, experts say there are ways to negotiate with the IRS. Kevin McKeon, of the IRS, says now more than ever, there are plenty of options for people who can't afford to pay all their taxes.

According to McKeon, the most common way to negotiate with the IRS is to take part in an installment program that lets you pay your taxes over time instead of a lump sum.

Another option for those who can't pay their taxes is something called 'Offer in Compromise.' "Make an offer to pay what you think is reasonable and if the IRS accepts it, that's another way into the system," McKeon says.

Taxpayers could also seek help from an accountant or lawyer.

The deadline to file a tax return is April 15.

How to negotiate with the IRS

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