Department of Assessment Brochure(PDF, 701KB)
The 2024 Final Assessment Roll is now available!
How Do Assessments Work in Tompkins County?
Due to legislative changes, no new STAR exemptions can be granted. All new applicants must now register with NYS for the STAR Credit Check - or call (518) 457-2036
If you have an escrow account and if your assessment has increased (or you lost an exemption that you once had), you should contact your escrow company and have your escrow adjusted to reflect the new anticipated tax amount.
Overview
Thank you for visiting the Tompkins County Department of Assessment. This office was consolidated in 1970 to provide the highest possible service at the lowest possible cost to the residents of Tompkins County. Our office is dedicated to ensuring that all properties are assessed at a uniform percentage of market value.
We highly encourage all current and prospective property owners to review the Real Property Tax Cycle(PDF, 83KB) flow chart in order to be aware of all the important legal dates in our yearly process.
As always, our office is here to assist you in any way we can.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Tompkins County Department of Assessment is:
- to yearly assess properties at uniform percentage of fair market value in order to equitably distribute the tax burden amongst the taxable properties within Tompkins County,
- to administer real property tax exemptions as provided by the New York State Real Property Tax Law,
- educate the general public about Real Property Assessment Administration
- prepare and maintain tax maps for the identification, data collection and valuation of real property.
The Tompkins County Department of Assessment does not:
- determine the amount of taxes that an individual property will pay (a combination of assessment and tax levy does that),
- advocate for any real property tax exemptions (DofA will administer any exemptions mandated by the NYSRPTL or allowed by local option),
- have any assessment be influenced by any political entity (The DofA is totally independent - all employees of the DofA are civil servants and do not serve at the whim of any political body).
- value property based upon names or ability to pay taxes (market value dictates how properties are valued).
Resources
NYSDTF - Tompkins County
All Local Option Exemptions by Taxing Jurisdictions(PDF, 324KB)
Low-Income Senior and Disability Exemption Limits(PDF, 243KB)
Veteran Exemption Scales(PDF, 255KB)