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Assessor's Office / Challenge Your Assessment

2022 Board of Assessment Review

We have completed the informal Assessment Review process for 2022. All property owners that have submitted an Informal review will be notified in writing.

If you are still not satisfied with the result, or did not file an Informal Assessment review, your next remedy is to file a Grievance with the Board of Assessment Review.

Non-hearing where information and documentation will be mailed to Board, or dropped off at town hall up to 8 PM on Grievance Day.
If a live discussion is requested with the Board, it is highly recommended to set an appointment time to meet with the board. You will be required to bring documentation to your hearing. See details below.

The Board of Assessment Review will meet on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. The hours will be 1pm–5pm and 6pm–8pm to examine all grievances and complaints. Location of hearings will be at Amherst Municipal Building, 5583 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221.You can also drop off information to challenge your grievance up to 8 PM that day. You may drop at the drop box at the back door, at the Assessor’s office or directly to the Board of Assessment review which will be meeting in the Town Hall Council Chambers.

To schedule an appointment for a live hearing with the Board of Assessment Review on May 24th, 2022, please call 631-7038 between May 9th 2022 and May 24th, 2022. If you desire a review, but do not want to appear (Non-hearing), this also must be dropped off to the Assessor’s office, (starting May 9th) or to the Board of Assessment review by 8:00 PM, May 24, 2022.

The form RP-524 MUST be filled out prior to your appointment and can be brought to your live appointment or dropped off or mailed if you only desire a Non-Hearing. We have also included other forms for your use based on the type of property being challenged. We encourage their use when you submit your information. All forms can be found in the Applications & Worksheets section of this page. Please note that all items submitted become property of Town of Amherst Assessors.

DUE TO RECENT COURT DECISIONS, THERE WILL BE NO ELECTRONIC FILING OF GRIEVANCES. THE TOWN OF AMHERST HAS NOT AUTHORIZED THE E-FILING OF COMPLAINTS BY LOCAL LAW, ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION. THAT IS ALSO LISTED IN OUR LEGAL NOTICE

Board of Assessment Review (BAR) Instructions For The 2022 Roll

Applications available at the Assessor’s Office beginning May 9th, 2022 or can be printed from the Applications & Worksheets section of this page.
To schedule a live hearing, please call (716) 631-7038, after May 9th, 2022.
If a non-hearing is requested, your application must be on file by May 24th, 2022 at 8:00 pm.

For Commercial / Vacant Land Challenges:

Complete form RP-524 (see RP-524 instructions for information on completing the form).

Numbers 2-4 below are not mandatory, but if completed will assist the board in evaluating your property.

Supply documents and complete Commercial I&E Worksheet.
Fill in form titled Commercial Review Application - along with comparables use.
If vacant land, fill in form titled Vacant Land Review Application - along with comparables used.

For Residential Challenges:

Complete form RP-524 (see RP-524 instructions for information on completing the form).

Numbers 2-3 below is not mandatory, but if completed will assist the board in evaluating your property

Fill in form titled Residential Review Application - along with comparables used.

Applications & Worksheets:

RP-524 (required for Formal Board of Assessment Review)

RP-524 Instruction Sheet

Use our Comprehensive Property Information (CPI) portal to help find comparable sales

All of these should be used to assist you in showing the town why the value the Town has on the property does not represent its Market Value.

Always keep in mind, the Assessors does not set taxes or determine the Town/Schools/Village or County Tax Levy - our objective is to place the correct Market value/Assessed value so you only pay your fair share of the Tax Levy. Your discussion should be solely focused on your Market Value, not taxes paid.

Decisions will be sent by early May. If you still disagree, you can file a grievance with the Board of Assessment review, which will take place May 24th, 2022.Call the Assessor's office after May 1st for more information.

Assessment Challenge and Review Instructions

The assessment roll is available on the Internet in order to:

verify property information
review inventory data on an individual property
review current sales information
analyze sales information about similar properties

When comparing property sales, it is important to remember that location, style, age and square footage are important. For example, if you purchased your home for $200,000 on a particular street or neighborhood, do not look for comparable homes that sell for $150,000 in other neighborhoods.

Also, do not compare a five-year old home with a fifty-year old home.

Nominal differences in square footage don 't always mean a difference in overall property assessment.

Interior and exterior condition of your property can be important factors when determining market value.

Make additional copies of all information that you provide with the application. The information contained with the application becomes property of the Board of Assessment Review and will not be returned.