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1. I never received my bill, or received it late; do I still have to pay the penalty?

Yes, the failure to mail a statement or the failure of a property owner to receive a statement will not affect the validity of the taxes or interest prescribed by law (New York State Real Property Tax Law §922). In addition, neither the Tax Collector nor any other official has legal authority to waive statutory penalty charges. These are fixed by the Real Property Tax Law. If they are waived, the collecting officer will be personally responsible. As all records are audited by State examiners, there is absolutely no discretion in this matter. The Constitution and the law of the State mandate this procedure.

2. If I mail my payment on the due date, do I have to pay a penalty?

No. New York State Real Property Tax Law §925, provides as follows: "Payment of taxes by mail, when enclosed in a postpaid wrapper (envelope) properly addressed to the appropriate collecting officer and is deposited in a post office or official depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Post Office shall, upon delivery, be deemed to have been made to such officer on the date of the United States Postmark on such wrapper. The provisions of this section shall not apply in the case of postmarks not made by the United States Post Office. A postage meter postmark is not a postmark made by the United States Post Office and, therefore, is not within in the provisions of Real Property Tax Law §925. Payments cannot be deemed timely because of a postage meter postmark date on an envelope containing a tax payment (Op. New York State Comp. 69-170).

If taxes are not received until after the due date, they are not paid until after the due date unless they fall squarely within the provisions of section 925 of the Real Property Tax Law, and the penalty must be added and collected. No Town Official or employee can waive the penalty (Op. New York State Comp. 68-626).

3. Do you accept payment with credit cards?

Yes, we have an option for you to pay your bill in full online by either credit card or e-check.

4. Can I pay my taxes in installments?

The Town of Fallsburg accepts payments in three installments. The first in January, the second in March, and the third and final payment in March. This option does not apply to on-line payments at this time.

5. Can I pre-pay my taxes?

No. The warrant constitutes the mantle of authority for the collecting officer to receive the taxes. Therefore, the warrant must be regarded as the instrument which empowers the collecting officer to begin the collection. The Collection authority cannot begin prior to the date of the warrant.

6. What if my mailing address changes?

Address changes must be made in writing. Notify the Assessor’s Office by mail, e-mail or fax if you wish to change your mailing address.

7. What if my mortgage is paid up?

In order to make sure you will receive the tax bills prior to the penalty period (February for Town/County Taxes), you must notify the Assessor in your Town. Send or fax a copy of the “Satisfaction of Mortgage” letter from your lender and make sure your correct mailing address is on file.

8. How do I apply for exemptions?

All exemptions are handled by the Assessor's Office. Any questions please call the Assessor at 845-434-8814.

9. Why don’t I see the STAR exemption?

The STAR exemption only affects your School Tax portion of your primary residence. It is not reflected on your Land Tax Bill.

10. Why do I have to pay for a second notice?

If taxes have not been paid during the 30 days following the period when the taxes could have been paid without any interest or penalty, then on or after the 31st day following such interest-free period, the collecting officer is required to send a notice of delinquent taxes to the mailing address of the owner.  A duplicate copy of this notice must also be sent to the third party as requested according to Real Property Tax Law, 923.  The notice must be sent not later than 85 days after expiration of the interest-free period, or 15 days prior to expiration of the warrant whichever is earlier.

11. Do I have to send the entire bill with payment?

No. You may send only the payment stub with your check or at least put your SBL Number in the memo portion of your check so we can properly identify your correct bill. Everyone will receive a paid receipt once paid in full.