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S 10273

Relates to the determination of adjusted base proportions in special assessing units which are cities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Gounardes

Cities designated as special assessing units will have the 2027 current base proportion increases limited to 5%, determined by the city’s local legislative body by Dec 1, 2026.

ORDERED TO THIRD READING CAL.1433
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Bill Summary · S 10273

Overview

S.10273 (2025-2026 Session) from New York Sen. Andrew Gounardes would modify how certain property tax base proportions are determined in cities that are “special assessing units.” The bill changes the process for setting current base proportions for the fiscal year 2027 and establishes a limit on the allowed annual increase in current base proportions.

Purpose and intent

  • To adjust the method for determining adjusted and current base proportions in special assessing units that are cities.
  • To authorize the local legislative body of the city to decide, for the 2027 fiscal year, how much the current base proportion for any class can increase relative to its adjusted base proportion (or proportions) from the prior year, with a statutory cap.
  • To ensure timely local control over base proportion changes while maintaining a maximum growth limit.

Key provisions

  1. Amends Real Property Tax Law, Section 1803-a, Subdivision 1 by adding new paragraph (oo):

    • For a special assessing unit that is a city, the current base proportion increases for the 2027 fiscal year shall be determined by the city’s local legislative body.
    • The increase cannot exceed 5 percent.
    • The local body must make the determination by December 1, 2026.

  2. Transitional provisions for fiscal year 2027 real property tax bills:

    • If a city had already issued real property tax bills for fiscal year 2027 before this act becomes law, the city must take necessary actions (consistent with state and local law) to implement the provisions of section one.
    • Actions may include revising current base proportions and adjusted base proportions, resetting tax rates, and issuing amended tax bills.
    • Taxpayers’ existing obligations for installments due before amended bills are issued remain governed by law in effect prior to the act’s effective date.
    • The city may determine the date on which amended bills are sent and which installments are reflected.

  3. Effective date:

    • The act shall take effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Special assessing units that are cities (i.e., city-designated municipalities operating as special assessing units under New York real property tax law).
  • Local legislative bodies (city councils or equivalent city legislative authorities) responsible for determining the yearly base proportion increases.
  • Property taxpayers within these cities, particularly those impacted by 2027 fiscal year tax bills and any amended bills resulting from base proportion adjustments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Timing for the 2027 fiscal year:
    • The local legislative body must determine the percentage increase in current base proportion (for any class) by December 1, 2026.
    • The increase cannot exceed 5%.
  • If bills for 2027 were issued before enactment, cities must adjust as needed to implement the new methodology, including potential amended bills, with the caveat that pre-existing installment obligations due before amended bills remain governed by prior law.
  • Immediate effective date means the provisions apply once the bill is enacted.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Creates local control over base proportion increases for 2027, with a uniform 5% cap, potentially limiting sharp increases in property tax burdens for taxpayers within city special assessing units.
  • Introduces a clear deadline (Dec. 1, 2026) for local determinations, potentially allowing taxpayers and assessors to plan ahead.
  • Could necessitate administrative adjustments for cities that already issued 2027 bills, including issuing amended bills and recalculating tax rates.
  • No change to obligation for payments due before amended bills are issued; retroactivity is limited to procedures for recalculation and re-billing.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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