Assessors Office - FAQs
If you haven't made improvements to your property and your property value is changing; it is an equalization adjustment. In order to attain a 100% equalization rate, the Assessor's office has a goal to match the market values of real estate as of the State designated valuation date. That date, in our area, is the first day of July in the year prior to the roll year being examined. Again, equalization adjustments are adjustments made to property values to match the current real estate market values. Similar properties to yours, that have sold within a designated time period, are used to calculate this change in assessment. While properties are never exactly alike, after taking those differences into consideration, as well as making a time adjustment for the sales to the State designated valuation date, an estimated market value is determined.
Assessment changes are in one of two categories. Increases or decreases in assessment can reflect a physical change to the property and/or an equalization adjustment. The goal of an equalization adjustment is to align with current market values based on State required rules and regulations. More often than not, it is the equalization adjustment that gets peoples' attention. You might think, "I haven't done anything to my property. Why is my property value changing?" If you haven't made any improvements to your property, then, it is an equalization adjustment. The State awards equalization rates to municipalities, and the closer the property values are to market value, the higher the municipality's equalization rate. The goal is to be at 100%. Again, the equalization rate is a measure of how close property values are to what properties are currently selling for.
Yes, if we have one. The Assessor’s Office has copies of most deeds in our files and can provide a free copy to the property owner. Just stop by our office with some form of identification, and we can check into it for you.
Yes, if we have one. Surveys may be on file in the Assessor’s Office but are more likely to be available from our Building Department.
Yes, we review all sales on a continuous basis. The sale price of your home will be taken into consideration but is only one factor as we go through the valuation process.
Taxes are based on a variety of things and assessment is just one part. Even if your assessment doesn't go up, your taxes could go up. In Henrietta, tax bills are generated by Town, County, and Schools. Each of those entities develop budgets annually that the public can vote on. Budgets can go up or down, but generally, they reflect inflation of costs, labor, insurances, etc....and go up. Secondly, we have the tax rate which can also go up or down. So, you see, even if your assessment doesn't change, your taxes could still go up. Then, if your assessment goes up but the tax rate and budgets go down...your taxes may not change at all. The key, though, is the budget process. Be aware and vote. That's where your power is. The assessments merely reflect the market value of what properties are selling for and tax rates are adjusted to make sure the budgets are covered. For example: If the budgets go up and the assessments go down...the tax rate will increase to generate the revenue needed to cover the budgets.
A veteran who served, whether in combat or not, may qualify for a Veteran’s Exemption. Some veterans who received medals and/or ribbons during service can qualify for an extra exemption. Also, spouses of deceased veterans may qualify. In addition, if there is no surviving spouse who has not remarried, the exemption may continue, provided the title to the residence becomes vested in the dependent father or mother, or dependent child or children of the veteran if the child is under 21 years of age and the property is their primary residence. Call the Assessor’s Office at (585) 359-7032 for details.
Yes. Residential property tax exemptions apply to owner-occupied property, but there are other exemptions that do not have a residency requirement. An example of this would be an agricultural exemption for property owners with higher acreage than the average residential property.
Most tax exemptions apply to owner-occupied property. To receive these exemptions, you must prove that address to be your primary residence. The best way to do that is by showing a copy of your most recent tax returns.
You may contact the Assessor's Office at (585) 359-7032 or use a FOIL Request Form located under the Town Clerk section of this website. FOIL stands for Freedom Of Information Law.
Yes. There are many acceptable forms to document military service. Contact our office at 585-359-7032 for an updated list.
Contact Information
Henrietta Assessor's Office
475 Calkins Road
Rochester, NY 14467
Hours:
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
[June-August: Fridays 9-1]
[November-December: Fridays 9-1]
(585) 359-7032 Phone
(585) 334-9667 Fax
