This document is presented as is - it is not sanctioned by the Town of Clermont
A Quick Guide to Challenging Your Property Assessment
Why File a Grievance?
File a grievance if you believe your property's assessed value is too high. Common reasons include:
• Your assessment increased significantly but your property hasn't changed
• Similar homes in your area have lower assessments
• You have evidence your home's market value is lower than your assessment
• There are errors in your property description (wrong square footage, features, etc.)
Important: You're challenging your property's assessed value, not your tax bill. Lower assessment = lower taxes.
Good news: Filing is FREE, you don't need a lawyer, and your assessment cannot increase.
How to File a Grievance
STEP 1: Talk to the Assessor First (Recommended)
Contact Cheryl Kaszluga at (518) 929-3846 or tocassessor@yahoo.com
• Many issues can be resolved informally
• She can explain how your assessment was calculated
• Available 7 days a week by phone/email; Thursdays 6-8 p.m. by appointment
STEP 2: Gather Your Evidence
You need proof that your property is worth less than your assessed value. Best evidence:
• Recent sales of similar properties - Find 3-5 comparable homes sold in the past year in your area
• Professional appraisal - If you have one
• Photos - Document any damage or issues affecting value
• Property records - Check your assessment online at http://egov.basny.com/Clermont/
Key calculation: Clermont properties are assessed at a percentage of market value (ask the assessor for the current rate). Example: If the rate is 82%, an assessment of $82,000 means the town values your property at $100,000 market value.
STEP 3: Complete Form RP-524
• Download at: www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/current_forms/orpts/rp524_fill_in.pdf
• Or get from Town Hall or the assessor
• Fill out completely - especially Line 7 (your estimate of FULL market value)
• Attach your supporting evidence (comparable sales, photos, appraisal)
• One form per property - if you own multiple parcels, file separately for each
STEP 4: Submit by Grievance Day
DEADLINE: Early June 2026 (June 2, 2026)
• Form must be RECEIVED by this date (postmarks don't count!)
• Submit to: Assessor Cheryl Kaszluga OR bring to the Board of Assessment Review hearing
• Best practice: Submit at least 3 days early
Mail to: Town of Clermont, Attn: Assessor, 1795 Route 9, Clermont NY 12526
STEP 5: Attend the Hearing (Optional but Recommended)
• Where: Clermont Town Hall, 1795 Route 9
When: In Clermont, Grievance Day is always the first Tuesday in June. This year it’s June 2. The times are 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
• You can present your case in person OR rely on your written submission
• Bring copies of all your evidence to share with board members
• Be professional and focus on facts about your property's value
After You File
What Happens Next:
1. The Board of Assessment Review (BAR) reviews all grievances
2. You'll receive written notice of their decision by late June
3. The BAR can reduce your assessment, keep it the same, or (rarely) require more information
4. They cannot increase your assessment
If You're Not Satisfied:
You have 30 days after July 1 to file for judicial review:
• Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) - For residential 1-3 family homes; $30 fee; you can represent yourself
• Tax Certiorari - For any property; requires hiring a lawyer
Key Dates (2026 Assessment Cycle)
• March 1, 2026: Deadline for exemptions (STAR, veterans, agricultural)
• May 1, 2026: Tentative assessment roll completed
• June 2, 2026: GRIEVANCE DAY - Deadline to file Form RP-524
• July 1, 2026: Final assessment roll filed
• September 2026: School tax bills issued
• January 2027: Town/county tax bills issued
Important Contacts
Assessor: Cheryl Kaszluga
• Phone: (518) 537-6928
• Email: tocassessor@yahoo.com
• Available 7 days/week by phone or email
Town Clerk: Tracey Gallant
• Phone: (518) 537-6868
• Email: TownClerkClermontNY@gmail.com
Town Hall: 1795 Route 9, Clermont NY 12526
Quick Tips
• ✓ DO gather solid evidence (recent comparable sales are best)
• ✓ DO check your property record for errors
• ✓ DO meet the deadline - missing it means you lose your right to appeal
• ✓ DO be professional and factual in your presentation
• ✗ DON'T complain about tax rates (the BAR can't change them)
• ✗ DON'T argue about your tax bill amount (focus on property value)
• ✗ DON'T wait until the last minute to file
Need More Information?
• NYS Tax Department guide: www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/publications/orpts/grievancebooklet.pdf
• Form RP-524: www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/current_forms/orpts/rp524_fill_in.pdf
• Columbia County assessments: https://realproperty.columbiacountyny.com/
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Current as of April 2026.