Directs the commissioner of taxation and finance to promulgate a uniform assessment code

1 Co-sponsor

• William J. Larkin Jr.

BILL NUMBER:S550

Title of bill

An act to amend the real property tax law, in relation to directing the commissioner of taxation and finance to establish a uniform assessment code

Purpose

To direct the State Board of Real Property Services to establish a Uniform Assessment Code that would set valuation and assessment standards to be enforced by counties.

Summary of provisions

Section one adds a new paragraph (r) to section 202 of the real property tax law which adds "promulgate a Uniform Assessment Code" to a list of duties required of the state board of real property services.

Section two adds a new §303 to the real property tax law, which provides that the State Board shall promulgate a Uniform Assessment Code that would include but not be limited to: standards for valuation of property, maintenance of information, schedules for the appraisals of property and maintenance of uniformity of assessments. It also provides that counties may choose to adopt this Uniform Assessment Code for the cities, towns and villages located within the county and could enforce the code by any appropriate means including through the equalization of individual assessments and the reappraisal of parcels.

Justification

Assessment practices and procedures vary considerably throughout New York State. These inconsistencies have resulted in similar properties being assessed and taxed differently from one assessing unit to another. This bill would require the State Board of Real Property Services to create standards in the areas of valuation, the maintenance of information, and schedules for appraisals of property and uniformity of assessments._ This code would provide homogeneity and equity in the assessment of real property across the state to ensure property is assessed in the same manner regardless of where it is located.

Legislative history

2009-10: S.254 Local Government Committee 2008: S.8513 Rules Committee; A.11598 Ways & Means

Fiscal implications

None to the State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.