Suffolk County Property Tax Rates Are Going Up
Suffolk County Approved a $4.3 Billion Budget, which includes a 3.18% Property Tax Hike
The Suffolk County Legislature has officially approved County Executive Ed Romaine’s $4.3 billion 2026 budget, which includes a 3.18% property tax increase while keeping the County within New York’s tax-cap limit of 3.25%.
Lawmakers described the plan as “sound” and “collaborative,” while also acknowledging the budget’s challenges such as rising employee health-care costs, staffing shortages, and uncertainty in future sales-tax revenues.
This increase underscores a trend Long Island homeowners already know too well: property taxes never stay the same. For homeowners, that means now is the time to review your property tax assessment. Rising tax rates only magnify any existing over-assessment. If your property’s assessed value no longer aligns with current market conditions, you could be paying more than your fair share.
It’s not just Suffolk County making adjustments. Several Long Island towns are also proposing property tax hikes to manage rising municipal costs. For example, Riverhead is considering a 6.7% property tax rate increase to cover higher payroll, pension, and health-insurance expenses, and Smithtown is seeking a 10.7% tax levy increase driven by similar budget pressures. These increases, combined with county-level hikes, reflect the broader trend of rising Long Island property taxes across both residential and commercial sectors.
While homeowners can vote on certain local budgets, commercial property owners often cannot, unless they also reside within that same town. For those who can’t vote, the only way to reduce an unfair tax burden is by filing a property tax grievance or appeal. Challenging your assessment can correct overvaluations, lower your property tax bill, and protect your long-term investment.
Need Help Reviewing Your Assessment?
If you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, I can help you determine whether your property is over-assessed and guide you through the Long Island tax grievance process from start to finish. A short review now could save hundreds, or even thousands, on future tax bills.
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