Tax experts warn Suffolk homeowners about tax grievance scams ahead of filing deadline
Long Island homeowners have one week left to file a property tax grievance before the May 19 deadline.
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Long Island homeowners have one week left to file a property tax grievance before the May 19 deadline and tax experts say residents should be cautious of companies making promises that sound too good to be true.
Tax assessment advisor Michele LaGrassa, of Heller & Consultants Tax Grievance, says some companies may target homeowners by offering guaranteed tax reductions while charging upfront fees.
“There are people out there that would say, ‘I’ll grieve your taxes for you for a flat fee,’” Lagrassa said.
LaGrassa says that is one of the biggest warning signs homeowners should watch for. She says most legitimate tax grievance companies operate on a contingency basis, meaning homeowners only pay if their taxes are successfully reduced.
“And then, you know, they already know there’s either no case or they may not file that appeal, and they’re going to get denied,” LaGrassa said.
Like many firms on Long Island, Heller & Consultants charges 50% of a homeowner’s first-year tax savings. LaGrassa says that savings average about $1,500 for Suffolk County homeowners.
If a company files an appeal, homeowners can also expect a $30 court fee and a $75 appraisal fee.
Experts also remind homeowners to verify any company before signing paperwork and note that residents can file grievances on their own or directly through their local town assessor’s office.
