In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact our office via email or phone and we will
return your calls or emails. In effect through 4/17/20.
Chairman of Assessors: Brian Crawford
Christine Valachovic: Assessor
Melanie Bunzey: Assessor
The Office of the Assessor is now located in the Berne Public Library Building
1763 Helderberg Trail
Berne, NY 12023
518 872 1448 Ext. 107
assessclerk@yahoo.com
Hours: Wednesday 5:30 – 7 PM
New Agricultural exemption (need to include a soils worksheet from the Albany County Soil & Water Conservation District along with the exemption form)
Agricultural exemption renewal
Exemption forms (new & renewal) are due back at the Assessor’s Office by March 1st of each year.
Property Tax Exemption
For persons 65 years of age or who will be 65 years of age in this year.
Persons whose annual income is less than $37,400 may qualify for a partial property tax exemption, based upon their 2016 income.
An application must be filed by March 1. Income includes: pension, social security, bank interest, and dividends and all other income.
It is necessary to provide proof of the following: deed, birth certificates of owners, pension forms, social security (white form), and income tax
form. All owners must sign the forms.
STAR Program
Homeowners may be eligible for a school property tax relief on their primary residence only. The STAR credit or exemption applies only
to the school district tax, not to other property taxes such as county, town or city. To receive a new STAR credit, you must register with NYS Tax & Finance at 518-457-2036 or at www.tax.ny.gov/star/.
If you already have a STAR exemption you may file an application for an Enhanced STAR exemption with the Town Assessor. The
“enhanced” STAR program is available to persons 65 years of age and older with income for 2015 under $86,000. The Basic STAR program is availalbe to persons under 65 years of age and with income for 2015 under $500,000.
For additional information, please contact the Town of Berne Assessor’s Office at 518-872-1448 ext. 107.