Want to avoid hiking up your property taxes up even further this year?
The number one move every Long Island property owner should be making this year is to appeal and file a property tax grievance. It’s been long proven that those who appeal enjoy much lower property tax bills. Especially in Nassau County.
Still, the new countywide property tax assessment means many will facing big leaps in their bills. The last thing you want to do is to add fuel to that fire by giving the county more reason to spike your bill. If you’ve been thinking of making some home improvements this year, here are five you want to avoid.
- Finished Basements
A finished basement does have some appeal. Though it could also add to your tax assessment. Chances are that you may not use it that much when you’re done any way. It could add a lot of square footage to your assessment, so weigh the pros and cons carefully. Consider what you could do to improve your other living spaces instead.
- Finished Attics
If you can’t go down, many decide to build up (or both). A finished attic can be a nice space. Yet, it can kill you on taxes too. It’s going to be a lot harder to undo and and get taken off your assessment once its on.
- Additions
Any home additions that add square feet under AC can be bad news when it comes time to pay your property tax bill. That applies if you are extending outwards or building rooms on a second level. It even may include conservatories and sunrooms that are air conditioned. Why not focus on making your existing space nicer on the inside instead.
- Garage Conversions
Thinking of converting your garage to an office or bedroom? Watch out. It could wind up being one of he biggest bumps to your property tax bill.
- Additional Bathrooms
After square footage and bedrooms, the number of bathrooms you have can be the biggest factor in how much your tax bill is. That’s true, even if you aren’t expanding your home. You might want to keep struggling to make what you’ve got work. If you must, extend your current bathrooms with room for his and hers sinks, and a separate dressing area from the toilet and shower area.