Are You Overpaying on Your Property Taxes in Brooklyn? Here’s How to Find Out

Are You Overpaying on Your Property Taxes in Brooklyn? Here’s How to Find Out

For Brooklyn homeowners, every dollar counts — especially when it comes to taxes. One of the most overlooked expenses? Your property tax assessment.

At Pen Realty, we’ve worked with dozens of sellers who were shocked to learn they were being overcharged — simply because no one had ever reviewed their tax records. Fortunately, New York City offers a path to challenge that assessment.

Why You Need to Review Your Assessment

Every year, the NYC Department of Finance updates property tax assessments based on their data — but that data isn’t always accurate. We’ve seen assessments that include:

• Additional square footage that doesn’t exist

• Rooms that were removed long ago

• Renovations that were never done

Mistakes like these can inflate your bill and hurt your resale value.

How to Access and Review Your Assessment

Start with NYC’s Department of Finance property tax page. Search your address and download the notice of property value.

Look for these red flags:

• Incorrect property class

• Inflated square footage

• Unpermitted renovations

• Higher valuation than comparable properties nearby

Pro tip: Look at homes on your block that recently sold or are similar in size and type. If your valuation is significantly higher, you may have grounds to appeal.

How to Challenge Your Assessment

The NYC Tax Commission allows homeowners to appeal their assessment. You’ll need to:

1. Submit a completed form during the designated filing period (usually January–March).

2. Provide documentation, including comparable sales or appraisal reports.

3. Await the commission’s decision.

It’s a straightforward process, but it helps to have an expert on your side. Pen Realty can guide you step-by-step, and even connect you with a trusted real estate attorney if needed.

Why This Matters for Sellers

If you’re thinking of listing your home, inflated taxes could scare off buyers or lower your net proceeds. That’s why we encourage all clients to challenge questionable assessments before going to market.

A Cause Close to Home

If you or someone you love has been affected by dementia, I invite you to support CaringKind NYC — an organization that’s deeply personal to me and my family.

Let’s care for our neighbors — and our neighborhoods.

Need help reviewing or challenging your property tax assessment?
📲 Contact Peter Mancini at Pen Realty — your advocate in Brooklyn real estate.

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