Requires assessing units to disclose and publish information relating to the use of a computer assisted mass appraisal system or other statistical formula or computer software at any step during the assessment of taxes on real property; requires assessing units not using a computer assisted mass appraisal system or other statistical formula or computer software at any step during the assessment of taxes on real property to verify that such systems, formula, or software were not used and explaining the methods used by such assessing unit to assess real property taxes.
Summary
Bill A05871 aims to enhance transparency in the real property tax assessment process in New York by requiring assessment units to disclose detailed information about the use of computer-assisted mass appraisal systems or other statistical formulas. Specifically, it mandates that these units publish annually on their websites the statistical formulas, methodologies, and software used in tax assessments, along with details about the duration and costs associated with such software. For units that do not utilize these systems, the bill requires an annual verification of this fact and an explanation of their assessment methods.
Impact
If enacted, A05871 would amend the real property tax law to create a new section focused on transparency in assessment practices. This change would affect all assessment units in New York, compelling them to provide clear and accessible information regarding their assessment methodologies. The bill is expected to promote accountability and public trust in the property tax assessment process by ensuring that taxpayers can understand how their property taxes are determined.
Sentiment
The sentiment around Bill A05871 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among advocates for transparency and taxpayer rights. However, there may be concerns from some assessment units regarding the administrative burden of complying with the new disclosure requirements. The lack of recent voting history suggests that the bill is still in the early stages of discussion and may require further deliberation before moving forward.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from assessment units that are concerned about the potential increase in workload and the implications of publicly disclosing proprietary software methodologies. Some stakeholders may argue that the bill could hinder the efficiency of tax assessments or expose sensitive information. Conversely, proponents emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in government processes, arguing that taxpayers have a right to understand how their taxes are assessed.
Provides that in judicial proceedings to review real property assessments in cities of one million or more inhabitants, the assessing method, capitalization rate, and other data or formula used to determine valuation must be disclosed to the petitioner.
Provides that in judicial proceedings to review real property assessments in cities of one million or more inhabitants, the assessing method, capitalization rate, and other data or formula used to determine valuation must be disclosed to the petitioner.
Provides that in judicial proceedings to review real property assessments in cities of one million or more inhabitants, the assessing method, capitalization rate, and other data or formula used to determine valuation must be disclosed to the petitioner.
Relates to school property and real property taxes; establishes the blue ribbon commission on property tax reform; relates to state assistance for local real property reassessment, state assistance to assessing units within a school district, providing a fixed real property assessed value for residential real property owned by certain persons over the age of 65 and providing state reimbursement to municipalities for lost real property tax revenue; requires the state to fund certain programs mandated for municipal corporations or school districts.