Board of Assessment Review

The Board of Assessment Review (BAR) is a 4-5 member board of officers appointed by the City Council. They hear the formal grievances of property owners. You may submit a formal grievance if you feel your assessment is unequal, excessive, or unlawful. You may also submit a formal grievance if you feel your property classification is wrong. The Board has the ability to reduce assessments for good cause. Additionally, the Board has the authority to review exempt status, including late applications.

Why Property Taxes are Important to Local Government Operations

Property tax is a tax paid on property owned by an individual or a legal entity, such as a corporation. The tax is usually based on the value of the owned property, including land. Local governments determine real property value, tax based on value, and use these taxes to fund city services and operations.

How is my property assessed?

A property assessor is a local government official who estimates the value of real property within a city. They convert that value into an assessment, which is one component in the calculation of real property tax bills. New York State law requires assessors to assess all properties at a uniform percentage of market value (RPT Law Sections 301 and 305) . If taxpayers believe their property assessment is too high, they can file a grievance to have it reviewed. You have a right to file a formal complaint with the Board of Assessment Review by the filing deadline date if you still feel your assessment is too high.

Assessment Review Process 

Every year during the last two weeks of January, we accept grievance applications and supporting documents.
Step 1. Residents who are filing a grievance should fill out the grievance form, print, and sign the bottom of it and submit it to the Board of Assessment Review. Visit the Assessment Department's guide on "How to Change/Grieve Your Assessment."
 
Step 2. Submit the grievance form. You can mail it in or drop it off at our office in person at City Hall, Suite 130. You can request a mailed form, or you can pick one up at our office. We can only accept grievances with an original signature. We cannot accept forms with incomplete documentation. We cannot accept forms submitted before or after the the last two weeks of January.
 
Step 3. Contact the Secretary of the Board of Review at (315) 448-8270 to schedule a hearing or ask questions about the grievance process. Additionally, New York State has a guide to contesting your assessment. 

Associated Department

Assessment Department

Contact

Board of Assessment Review
Secretary of Board of Assessment Review
233 E. Washington St.
City Hall, Suite 130
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 448-8270

Current Board Members

Terms run for 5 years from October of the initial year to September of the expiring year.

 

Carl Masterpole (2017-2022)
Susan Straub (2018-2023)
Joseph Saya (2020-2025)

Board of Assessment Review By-Laws

By-Laws(PDF, 186KB)

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