Schuyler County Files 2025 List Of Delinquent Property Taxes; Announces Help For Property Owners

As required by New York State Real Property Tax Law, Schuyler County officials have filed the List of Delinquent Taxes for 2025, identifying parcels that have been subject to delinquent tax liens held and owned by the County of Schuyler since Jan. 1 of this year.    And county officials want taxpayers and homeowners to know there are ways to avoid losing their property.

“Property owners with delinquent taxes are urged to act promptly to avoid additional penalties, interest, or even loss of your real property,” County Treasurer Holley Sokolowski said. We offer a number of options and want to avoid people losing their homes whenever possible.”

According to County Attorney Steven Getman, the redemption period for delinquent taxes is 18 months. During this time, the Treasurer’s Office and County Attorney’s Office will review public records and attempt to collect amounts due without resorting to foreclosure.

“Throughout the process, the county works with eligible property owners to prevent foreclosure through installment agreements, referral to legal services, buy-back options, and public notices,” Getman said.

At the conclusion of the redemption period, the county will file and serve a Notice and Petition for Tax Foreclosure on any remaining delinquent properties. Approximately six months later, the court will issue its final judgment of foreclosure, and the county will proceed to a public tax auction.

This year’s list is available for public review on the county website at www.schuylercounty.us, and on file with the Schuyler County Clerk and online at the New York State Court System (NYSCEF) (https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef).

Sokolowski said the Treasurer’s Office offers several options to assist eligible property owners:

• Installment agreements: Monthly payment plans to divide tax payments into manageable amounts.

• Redemption period: Property owners may redeem their property by paying all delinquent taxes, interest, and fees before the expiration of the redemption period, typically in February of the following year.

• Surplus funds: In the event of a tax foreclosure sale, former owners may be eligible to claim surplus funds.

Getman noted that several resources are available for property owners seeking legal help:

• Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. – Free legal aid for eligible low-income residents. Visit www.lawny.org.

• New York State Courts “CourtHelp” can help you when you don’t have a lawyer: https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/.

• New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: Call 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.

Sokolowski serves as Schuyler County’s chief fiscal officer and enforcement officer for unpaid property tax liens. Getman serves as the county’s chief legal advisor and represents the county in civil actions, including tax matters.

Schuyler County announces change in tax foreclosure filing date(s) and help for property owners.

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.

Schuyler County Tax Foreclosure, Index No. 19-145, Notice of Petition and Petition in Foreclosure

 

Please take notice that on the 2nd day of November, 2020, the Treasurer, County of Schuyler (the “Enforcing Officer”) of the County of Schuyler (the “Tax District”), pursuant to law filed with the Clerk of Schuyler County a petition of foreclosure against various parcels of real property for unpaid taxes. Such petition pertains to the following parcels: [see exhibits A, B and C, annexed hereto and made a part hereof]

 

1. Effect of Filing: All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in such petition are hereby notified that the filing of such petition constitutes the commencement by the Tax District of a proceeding in the court specified in the caption above to foreclose each of the tax liens therein described by a foreclosure proceeding in rem.

 

2. Nature of Proceeding: Such proceeding is brought against the real property only and is to foreclose the tax liens described in such petition. No personal judgment will be entered herein for such taxes or other legal charges or any part thereof.

 

3. Persons Affected: This notice is directed to all persons owning or having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in such petition. Such persons are hereby notified further that a duplicate of such petition has been filed in the office of the Enforcing Officer of the Tax District and will remain open for public inspection up to and including the date specified below as the last day for redemption.

 

4. Right of Redemption: Any person having or claiming to have an interest in any such real property and the legal right thereto may on or before said date redeem the same by paying the amount of all such unpaid tax liens thereon, including all interest and penalties and other legal charges which are included in the lien against such real property, computed to and including the date of redemption. Such payments shall be made to: Holley Sokolowski, Treasurer, County of Schuyler, 105 Ninth St, Unit 17, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.  In the event that such taxes are paid by a person other than the record owner of such real property, the person so paying shall be entitled to have the tax liens affected thereby satisfied of record.

 

5. Last Day for Redemption: The last day for redemption is hereby fixed as February 26, 2021. 

 

 6. Service of Answer: Every person having any right, title or interest in or lien upon any parcel of real property described in such petition may serve a duly verified answer upon the attorney for the Tax District setting forth in detail the nature and amount of his or her interest and any defense or objection to the foreclosure. Such answer must be filed in the office of the County Clerk and served upon the attorney for the Tax District on or before the date above mentioned as the last day for redemption.

 

7. Failure to Redeem or Answer: In the event of failure to redeem or answer by any person having the right to redeem or answer, such person shall be forever barred and foreclosed of all his or her right, title and interest and equity of redemption in and to the parcel described in such petition and a judgment in foreclosure may be taken by default.

Notice and Petition of Fore... by Steven Getman

Schuyler County Real Property Tax Foreclosure: Notice of Petition and Petition

COUNTY COURT: STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF SCHUYLER

____________________________________

In The Matter Of Foreclosure Of Tax Liens By Proceeding In Rem Pursuant To Article Eleven Of The Real Property Tax Law by the County of Schuyler.
____________________________________

NOTICE AND PETITION 

OF FORECLOSURE

Index No. 16-195

Date of Filing Notice and Petition: 

11/01/17

Please take notice that on the 1^st day of November 2017, the Treasurer of the County of Schuyler, pursuant to law, filed with the Clerk of Schuyler County a petition of foreclosure against various parcels of real property for unpaid taxes. Such petition pertains to the following parcels: [see exhibits A, B, C and D, annexed hereto].

1. Effect of Filing: All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in such petition are hereby notified that the filing of such petition constitutes the commencement by the Tax District of a proceeding in the court specified in the caption above to foreclose each of the tax liens therein described by a foreclosure proceeding in rem.

2. Nature of Proceeding: Such proceeding is brought against the real property only and is to foreclose the tax liens described in such petition. No personal judgment will be entered herein for such taxes or other legal charges or any part thereof.

3. Persons Affected: This notice is directed to all persons owning or having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in such petition. Such persons are hereby notified further that a duplicate of such petition has been filed in the office of the Enforcing Officer of the Tax District and will remain open for public inspection up to and including the date specified below as the last day for redemption.

4. Right of Redemption: Any person having or claiming to have an interest in any such real property and the legal right thereto may on or before said date redeem the same by paying the amount of all such unpaid tax liens thereon, including all interest and penalties and other legal charges which are included in the lien against such real property, computed to and including the date of redemption. Such payments shall be made to: Harriett E. Vickio, Treasurer, County of Schuyler, 105 Ninth St, Unit 17, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.  In the event that such taxes are paid by a person other than the record owner of such real property, the person so paying shall be entitled to have the tax liens affected thereby satisfied of record.

5. Last Day for Redemption: The last day for redemption is hereby fixed as February 20, 2018. 

 6. Service of Answer: Every person having any right, title or interest in or lien upon any parcel of real property described in such petition may serve a duly verified answer upon the attorney for the Tax District setting forth in detail the nature and amount of his or her interest and any defense or objection to the foreclosure. Such answer must be filed in the office of the County Clerk and served upon the attorney for the Tax District on or before the date above mentioned as the last day for redemption.

7. Failure to Redeem or Answer: In the event of failure to redeem or answer by any person having the right to redeem or answer, such person shall be forever barred and foreclosed of all his or her right, title and interest and equity of redemption in and to the parcel described in such petition and a judgment in foreclosure may be taken by default.

 PETITION OF FORECLOSURE:

The above-captioned proceeding is hereby commenced to enforce the payment of delinquent taxes or other lawful charges which have accumulated and become liens against certain property.

Annexed hereto is a true copy of the list of delinquent taxes recorded pursuant to section eleven hundred twenty-two of this title, as the same shall have been annotated from time to time by the county clerk pursuant to law, as of the date this petition was executed.  The parcels to which this proceeding applies are those set forth in such list, excluding only those parcels which have been marked “redeemed,” “withdrawn” or “canceled” on such list by the county clerk pursuant to law. In the case of parcels marked “partially redeemed” but not marked “redeemed,” the proceeding applies only to the unredeemed portion of the parcel. All parcels on the list which are unmarked or which are marked with any other notation are subject to this proceeding. Such petition pertains to the following parcels: [see exhibits A, B, C and D, annexed hereto and made a part hereof].

This document serves as both a Petition of Foreclosure and Notice of Foreclosure for purposes of this proceeding.

The above is true under the penalties of perjury.

DATED: November 1, 2017

Harriett E. Vickio

Treasurer, County of Schuyler

105 Ninth St, Unit 17

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

Tel: 607.535.8181

Enforcing Officer

Attorney for the tax district:

Steven J. Getman, Esq.

Schuyler County Attorney

105 Ninth Street, Unit 5

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

Tel: 607.535.8121