Office of the Assessors
Assessors:
- Christine Valachovic
- Melanie Bunzey
The Office of the Assessors is located in the
Berne Town Hall at 1656 Helderberg Trail, Berne, NY 12023
Mailing address for Office of the Assessors is:
PO Box 102
Berne, NY 12023
(518) 872 1448, ext. 107
assessor@berneny.org
Hours: Wednesday 5:30 – 7 PM or by appointment.
The Assessor will be in attendance with the tentative roll at the Town Assessor’s office (see address above) for the three consecutive Wednesday evenings prior to each Board of Assessment Review (BAR) hearings from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm or by appointment.
BAR hearings are generally held the 4th Tuesday of each May from 3:00 to 5:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Assessors’ office to hear complaints in relation to assessments of real property. However, this year the meeting will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2023 3-5 PM & 6-8 PM at the Berne Town Hall.
Basic STAR:
Homeowners may be eligible for a school property tax relief (STAR) 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/.
Enhanced STAR:
If you already have a Basic STAR exemption, you may file an application for an Enhanced STAR exemption if you are 65 or will be 65 years of age during the current year. Income limits and qualifications apply.
Aged-All Property Tax Exemption (Limited Income):
For persons 65 years of age or who will be 65 years of age in this year who have limited income. Income includes pension, social security, bank interest, and dividends and all other income. Exemptions are for primary residences.
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.
New Agricultural exemption; A soils worksheet from the Albany County Soil & Water Conservation District will need to be provided 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.
Veteran’s exemption: Contact the Assessor’s office for more information if you are a veteran.
Disability exemption: Contact the Assessor’s office for more information if you are disabled.
ALL NEW AND RENEWAL EXEMPTION FORMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE ASSESSOR BY NO LATER THAN MARCH 1st OF EACH YEAR.
For additional information, please contact the Town of Berne Assessor’s Office at 518-872-1448, ext. 107.