Two elected state officials this week called for a public hearing to examine the city’s property tax system, characterizing it as “broken” and “confusing.”
Assemblymembers Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) and Nily Rozic (D-Flushing) sent a letter to Assemblywoman Sandy Galef (D-Ossining), chairwoman of the Committee on Real Property Taxation, requesting the hearing into disparities in the current property tax system and tax filing laws. According to the letter, Goldfeder and Rozic recommend soliciting feedback from the city Department of Finance and other stakeholders on how to reform the current tax system.
“Our families deserve a property tax system that’s fair and user-friendly,” Goldfeder said. “Sadly, what we have now is a system that is simply too confusing, unfair and does not have families’ best interests in mind. By holding a public hearing, we can give our families a voice and work to create a system that benefits our community and helps our families in Queens grow and thrive.”
Goldfeder and Rozic indicated to Galef that they field numerous calls each year during tax time from constituents seeking help understanding property tax bills, filling out exemption forms, or appealing the assessed value of their property.
“Taxes are rising and the confusion in the system still remains,” Rozic added. “The system needs to be re-evaluated so that homeowners are relieved of a burden that hinders economic growth.”
Galef said she’s on board with the idea.
“Additionally to hearing today from my colleagues, Assemblyman Goldfeder and Assemblywoman Rozic, last week Assemblyman Dan Quart had approached me about holding a Real Property Tax Hearing in New York City and I told him then I would very much like to do so,” she said. “I believe this would give the people the opportunity to speak out about the issues they are facing with real property taxes and how individuals as well as businesses are affected.”
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
