2021 Board of Assessment Review (BAR)

2021 Board of Assessment Review (BAR) Legal Notice

We have completed the informal Assessment Review process for 2021. All property owners that have submitted an Informal review will be notified in writing no later than May 10th, 2021 with the results from that review.

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. This years based on New York State and Town of Amherst guidelines for Social Distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will have some changes from previous years. . All hearings will be either:

• Non-hearing where information and documentation will be mailed to Board, or dropped off at town hall up to 8 PM on Grievance Day. The drop off location will be a box at the back door of Amherst Town Hall
• 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 25, 2021. The hours will be 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 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 25th, 2021, please call 631-7038 between May 7th 2021 and May 25th, 2021. 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 7th) or to the Board of Assessment review by 8:00 PM, May 25, 2021.

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 2021 ROLL

• Applications available at the Assessor’s Office beginning May 7th, 2021 or can be printed from the Applications & Worksheets section of this page.
• To schedule a live hearing, please call (716) 631-7038, after May 7th, 2021.
• If a non-hearing is requested, your application must be on file by May 25th, 2021 at 8:00 pm.

For Commercial / Vacant Land Challenges:

1. 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.

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

For Residential Challenges:

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

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

2. 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
• Residential Review Application
• Condominium Review Application
• Commercial Review Application
• Commercial I&E Worksheet
• Vacant Land Review Application

Informal Assessment Reviews

The Informal Assessment Review process is done for 2021.

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.

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.

Assessment Links

• Items to consider when Challenging your Assessment
• Learn about assessments and property taxes
• Challenging Your Assessment
• Contesting Your Assessment in New York State
• Understanding the Equalization Rate
• Search Property Sales by Year or by Street
• What does the Assessor’s neighborhood mean?