Property taxes are an inescapable part of homeownership. Whether you are a new homeowner or a seasoned pro, understanding your county’s tax codes is important, but it often involves a lot of work.

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Jerry

has created this guide to walk you through the basics of property taxes in Erie County.

Property tax 101

Here’s a brief refresher on how property taxes work:

Property taxes are vary depending on where you live—your local government is responsible for setting tax rates

The money collected from property taxes funds education, law enforcement, infrastructure, and other public services

Property taxes are levied on real property like land and homes

Your property taxes are set by your local tax assessor. They use market values and a local tax rate to assign your property taxes

Property taxes are always changing. Fluctuations in tax rates happen with shifting market conditions and local budget

Local governments use property taxes to collect money fromresidents.This money is reinvested in the community by funding public works and services.

MORE:

Is car insurance tax deductible?

What is the property tax rate in Erie County?

The average property tax rate in Erie County is 2.65%, resulting in an average annual payment of $3,120 per resident.

This tax rate is significantly higher than the state’s average rate (1.23%) and is one of the highest property taxes in the nation.

Head to the

website of Erie County’s tax collector

to learn more about the proposed tax rates for the current year.

How Erie County property taxes are determined

Erie County is made up of many taxing districts at the

county

, school district, and

city

levels. A county auditor is responsible for determining each district’s tax rate.

Then, the local tax assessor will determine your property’s taxable value based on its market value and the average local tax rates.

What do Erie County property taxes pay for?

Erie County property taxes pay for a variety of public services, including:

Transportation

Roads and highways

Libraries

Law enforcement

Public health

Building safety

Public libraries

K-12 and community education

Infrastructure

MORE:

Different types of car insurance: Which one suits you best?

How to pay property taxes in Erie County

Erie County property taxes are due in two installments each year:

February 15th: Town and county taxes are due

October 15th: School Taxes are due

If the due dates fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, then your taxes will be due the following business day.

When you’re ready to pay your Erie County property taxes, you have a couple of options:

Pay online

using a credit or debit card or an e-check—e-payments will incur a $2.00 service fee for every $5,000 paid

In-person at the Cashier's Area, located on the first floor of the Rath Building. Visit: Rath Building,95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202

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FAQs

When are property taxes due in Erie County?

Town and county property taxes are due by February 15th. All school district taxes are due by October 15th of the same year.

How do I get my New York property tax statement?

Keep an eye on the mail the month before your property taxes are due—you will receive your New York property tax statement by mail the second week of the month prior to the due date.

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