Assessor | Town of LeRay

TAX ASSESSOR

Department

Contact Us

William Vargulick

Email:

assessor@townofleray.org

Phone:

315-629-4393

Hours:

Mon- Fri: 8am - 12pm

CONTACT INFO

William Vargulick, Town Assessor

assessor@townofleray.org

315-629-4393

OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Friday

8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

The Town Office building is locked to the public until 9:00 AM. If you would like to meet with Mr. Vargulick before that time, please call and make an appointment.

RESOURCES

Board of Assessment Review

County Real Property

NYS Dept of Taxation & Finance

NYS Real Property Services

STAR Forms

Tax Rates 2025 - 2028

Tax Roll 2023

ABOUT TAX ASSESSMENT

The assessor is responsible for establishing and maintaining a taxable value, or assessment, on all properties, and entering those values on the Assessment Roll each year. In addition, the Assessor retains and updates inventory records, processes and stores information on all deed transfers and administers all property tax exemptions.

Some methods of determining a property's value include the sale price of the property and/or comparable properties, new home construction costs, cost of renovations and/or additions, replacement costs, or rental information.

Assessor's Office

These key dates explain when important steps happen in the assessment and property tax process.

March 1 - Taxable Status Date

All exemption applications and renewals (such as STAR or Senior Citizens Exemption) must be filed by March 1.

Any changes to your property (new construction, demolition, improvements) as of this date will affect your assessment.

The assessments set on this date determine your tax bills for the upcoming year:

September (school taxes)
January (property taxes)

May 1 - Tentative Assessment Roll Filed

The Assessor files the Tentative Assessment Roll by May 1.
This is the first public listing of property values for the year.
Property owners are notified of any changes to their assessments.
You can review the tentative roll at the Assessor’s Office before Grievance Day.

Grievance Day - 1st Thursday After the 4th Tuesday in May

Property owners may file a grievance (appeal) if they believe their assessment is too high.
Complaint forms (RP-524) are available at the Assessor’s Office in late April.
On Grievance Day, the Board of Assessment Review meets to hear complaints.
After Grievance Day, decisions are mailed to property owners.

July 1 - Final Assessment Roll Filed

The Assessor files the Final Assessment Roll.
Any changes made on Grievance Day are entered into the roll.
This final roll is the official basis for the next property tax bills:
- September school tax bill
- January property tax bill

Assessor's Office

The Town of LeRay offers a Senior Citizens Exemption on property taxes, as allowed under New York State law. This exemption reduces the taxable value of your home if you meet certain age and income requirements.

Who Qualifies?

You must be 65 years or older
You must own and live in your home as your primary residence.
Your annual income must be below $21,500

How Much of a Tax Break Can I Get?

The amount of your exemption depends on your income. The lower your income, the greater your exemption.

Annual Income	$ of Assessed Value Exempt from Taxes
$20,600 - $21,500	20%
$19,700 - $20,599	25%
$18,800 - $19,699	30%
$17,800 - $18,799	35%
$16,800 - $17,799	40%
$15,801 - $16,799	45%
$15,800 or less	50%

Important Notes about STAR

If you qualify for the Senior Citizens Exemption, you will also automatically qualify for the Enhanced STAR school tax relief program. This means you can receive both exemptions together, maximizing your savings.

How to Apply

Application for Partial Tax Exemption for Real Property of Senior Citizens: RP-467 form
Provide Proof of Income: Copies of your most recent income tax return or other income documentation.
Submit Before the Deadline: Applications must be filed with the Assessor's Office by March 1st each year.

Assessor's Office

The School Tax Relieve (STAR) Program is a New York State program that helps homeowners lower their school property taxes. If you own your home and it is your primary residence (the place where you live most of the year), you may be eligible for STAR.

How it Works

STAR gives you a break on your school property taxes. Instead of lowering the school tax rate itself, STAR reduces the taxable value of your home (or provides you with a check, depending on which STAR you qualify for).

You do not need to reapply every year once you are enrolled, unless your situation changes.

Two Types of STAR

Basic STAR

For homeowners of any age.
Income must be $500,000 or less.

Enhanced STAR

For homeowners 65 and older (or turning 65 by the end of the calendar year)
Income must be below a set limit
Provides a bigger savings than Basic STAR

How You Receive STAR

STAR Credit Check:

You will receive a check each year from the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. This is the most common method used today.

STAR Exemption:

Some long-time homeowners may still see their savings directly on their school tax bill, but new applicants only receive the credit check.

Apply Online

Go to the New York State STAR Registration page: https://www.tax.ny.gov/star

Click “Register for the STAR Credit”
Follow the prompts and fill in your information.
At the end, you’ll receive a confirmation number — keep this for your records.

Property Assessment Appeals

If you believe your property assessment is too high, you have the right to appeal your assessment. This process is called filing a grievance.

Your property taxes are based on your assessment, so if you feel your property is assessed higher than its market value, you may ask the Board of Assessment Review (BAR) to review it.

When is Grievance Day?

Grievance Day is held annually on the 1st Thursday after the 4th Tuesday of May.

On this day, the Board of Assessment Review (BAR) meets to hear formal complaints from property owners.

In the Town of LeRay, Grievance Day is held at the Town Offices.

Steps to File an Appeal

Get the Form
Complaint on Real Property Assessment Form RP-524
Complete the Form
Provide your property details and explain why you believe your assessment is incorrect.

Include supporting evidence (such as recent appraisals, comparable sales, or photos).
Submit the Form by Deadline
The complaint must be filed with the Assessor’s Office on or before Grievance Day.
Attend Grievance Day (Optional)
You may appear before the BAR to explain your case in person, but it is not required if you have submitted all your paperwork.

What Happens Next?

The BAR will review your complaint and evidence. After their decision, you will be notified in writing whether your assessment has been reduced or left unchanged.

If you disagree with the BAR’s decision, you may pursue further appeal through:

Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) — for most homeowners.
Certiorari Proceedings — through State Supreme Court (usually for larger properties or businesses).

TOWN of LERAY

Jefferson County, New York

TAX ASSESSOR

Department

Contact Us

CONTACT INFO

OFFICE HOURS

RESOURCES