Town of Lockport Property Assessment
As part of the ongoing Annual Reassessment Program in the Town of Lockport, the Assessor’s office will be reviewing and analyzing the assessments of each property in the Town. According to the Real Property Tax Law, all property assessments must be valued at the same uniform percentage. The Town of Lockport assessments are at a uniform percentage of 100% of market value. In order to maintain fair and equitable assessments according to the tax laws annual reassessment must be performed.

In the past 12 months certain areas of the Town have experienced significant market changes, therefore the Town has retained the services of GAR Associates, a real estate appraisal firm, to assist in the review of the market values of all properties throughout the Town. Professional appraisers will be reviewing the market values for possible assessment changes.

The Town of Lockport's Final Equalization rate for 2009 is 100%.

The Process
Beginning in April, ALL PROPERTY OWNERS will be receiving a notice to include:

• New preliminary assessed values
• Current assessment (the value used on your current tax bill)

Resources Available
After April 19th

1. Reports: Residential sales and property inventories will be published and available for inspection.

2. Internet Access: The assessment roll will be on the Internet.

• Verify property information
• Review inventory data on an individual property
• Review current sales information
• Analyze sales information about similar properties

3. Assessment Information Classes: Understand the Annual Reassessment process and provide the proper information regarding avenues of relief.

In comparing similar sales it is important to remember that location, style, age and size are critical to the comparison process. For example: if you purchased your home for $200,000 on a particular street or neighborhood DO NOT look for homes that sell for $150,000 in other neighborhoods or compare a 5 year old house with a 50 year old house. BE REALISTIC AND HONEST.

You can use the following forms to prepare your case. The forms are in pdf format. Please download and use the correct form. They are also available at our office and at the Lockport Library.

• Residential Review Application (pdf)
• Commercial Review Application (pdf)
• Vacant Land Review Application (pdf)
• Condo Review Application (pdf)

Grievance Procedures - Board of Assessment Review
Grievance day May 25th for 2010.
A. Non-Hearing. Submit completed Complaint application (RP524). This application is available at the Town of Lockport Assessor's Office, or online at www.orps.state.ny.us. The application must be turned in by May 25, 2010 before 5:00pm at the Town of Lockport Assessor's Office.

B. Hearing. Complaint Form RP524 must be completed and submitted to the Assessor's Office in order to schedule an appointment.

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Call 439-9526 for information.

Board of Review Hearing
Bring any supporting documentation along with all data requested by the Board of Review, to your scheduled hearing.

All information presented becomes property of the Board of Review. Note: You will have approximately 3 - 5 minutes to present your case.

Informal Review Process
The Assessor's Office will continue to offer property owners an Informal Review Process. If you feel your assessment is incorrect then you must provide the Assessor with reasonable information, based on market sales, that supports your opinion of market value. After receiving your change of assessment notice, please call the Assessor's Office to schedule an appointment.

The goal of the Assessor's Office is to determine the fair and equitable assessment for your property.

If you have any questions or comments, please call the Assessor's Office at 716.439.9526 or fill out our contact form.