Schuyler County Officials are notifying all persons
owing back property taxes of a significant change in New York State’s filing
date for counties to commence real property tax foreclosures. They also want delinquent property owners to
know that there may be options to avoid foreclosure, including installment
agreements and legal assistance.
According to Schuyler County Treasurer Holley
Sokolowski and Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman, the date for filing
Notices and Petitions in Schuyler County tax foreclosure cases has been changed
from November to July, due to changes in New York State Real Property Tax Law.
“This change affects property owners with outstanding tax obligations in Schuyler County,” Sokolowski said. “Under the revised schedule, tax foreclosures for unpaid property taxes, including town, county and school taxes, will now be filed and served in July of each year, rather than the previous November date.”
“Property owners with delinquent taxes are
urged to act promptly to avoid additional penalties, interest, or even loss of
your real property. We want to avoid
people losing their homes whenever possible.”
According to Getman, the change was signed
into law in 2024 by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
He stressed that the change will not affect property owners who
have paid their taxes, but only those properties where taxes are unpaid for at
least eighteen months.
“We encourage all delinquent property owners
to review their tax status and make payments as soon as possible to avoid further
financial penalties or loss of their homes,” said Getman. “Schuyler County is
committed to assisting residents in navigating this change and ensuring
compliance with the new deadline.”
Sokolowski agreed, stating “the Treasurer’s Office
is here to support residents in maintaining compliance and protecting their
property.”
Sokolowski said her office offers several
options to assist eligible property owners facing challenges in paying
delinquent taxes:
- Installment
Agreements: Property owners may contact the Schuyler County Treasurer’s Office
to explore monthly installment agreements, which can divide tax payments
into manageable amounts, particularly for those on fixed incomes.
- Redemption
Period: Property owners can redeem their property by paying all delinquent
taxes, interest, and fees before the expiration of the redemption period,
which is typically February of the following year.
- Surplus
Funds: In the event of a tax foreclosure sale, property owners may be
eligible to claim surplus funds.
According to Getman, for property owners
needing legal guidance to address delinquent taxes or potential foreclosure
proceedings, the following resources are available:
- Legal
Assistance of Western New York, Inc.: Provides free legal aid for eligible
low-income residents in Schuyler County in certain cases. Visit www.lawny.org for more information.
- New
York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF): For those involved in
foreclosure proceedings, legal documents can be accessed and filed
electronically. Visit http://www.nycourts.gov/efile-unrepresented for details.
- Local
Attorney Consultation: Property owners with back taxes are encouraged to
consult with a qualified attorney to explore options such as filing an
answer to the petition or negotiating payment plans. Property owners may contact
the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
(1-800-342-3661) to locate a qualified local attorney.
“It's the job of the county to collect taxes, but the main focus here is keeping people on their property and in their homes," Getman said. “We do not want anyone surprised by this change in New York State law.”
As County Treasurer, Sokolowski is the chief fiscal
officer of county government and enforcement officer for unpaid property tax
liens.
As County Attorney, Getman is the chief legal
advisor for county government and responsible for the prosecution and defense of
civil actions brought by and against the county, including tax matters.
