Change tax class from 4 fam to 3
Our building has a C of O for 3 families, but is being taxed as a 4 family. We think a previous owner tried to convert to a 4, but then didn’t quite follow through – resulting in our current worst of both worlds situation. Curious if anyone out there has had any experience with…
Our building has a C of O for 3 families, but is being taxed as a 4 family. We think a previous owner tried to convert to a 4, but then didn’t quite follow through – resulting in our current worst of both worlds situation. Curious if anyone out there has had any experience with making this kind of change, and has any tips to offer. Should we be worried that requesting the change will prompt a reappraisal that will ultimately leave us with a higher tax burden than if we do nothing? Thanks in advance for any info.
Thanks to both of you for your comments. Very Helpful!
I had the same problem a few years ago. The DOF DOES NOT go by the DOB so showing them the C of O will not do you any good. Your property was more than likely used as an illegal four family at some point and appraised that way (kitchens are not the only thing that they count to make this determination). The DOF will need to send an appraiser to examine the property in order to change it. I filled out every form online and spoke to numerous people on the phone to no avail. I then went over in person to the DOF – believe it or not, they were extremely helpful. The appraiser actually beat me back to my house and the correction was made for the next tax year.
I forget the specifics but my tax bill did actually go down. If I recall correctly , although a 3 family is taxed at a higher rate than a 4 (class 1 vs. class 2), the assessment ratio is 6% vs. 45% so it more than evens out. Also, you have missed out on receiving your property rebate checks the last few years because 4 family dwellings do not qualify.