Detailed facts about New York's property tax levy cap as it relates to public schools

  For many years, New Yorkers have paid some of the highest property taxes in the country, spurring individuals and business owners to increasingly clamor for tax relief. In June 2011, state leaders responded by enacting a law that places new restrictions on how school districts (and municipalities) may increase their tax levies. Although the new law has been referred to as a “2 percent tax cap,” it does not in fact restrict any proposed tax levy increase to 2 percent.

The law does, however, require at least 60 percent voter approval for a school budget if the proposed levy increase exceeds a certain amount.

When it comes to New York's property levy tax cap, there's lots of information to understand.

A brochure developed cooperatively by the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service and Questar III’s State Aid Planning and Communications Services answers some of the following questions:

• Does the new tax cap law mean school tax levies can’t increase by more than 2 percent?

• What is a “tax levy limit?”

• How is the “tax levy limit” determined for school districts?

• Does the law take into account that some expenses are currently outside a district’s control?

• What will the property tax cap law mean for MY tax bill?

• How will I know if my district is proposing a tax levy above its “tax levy limit,” requiring 60 percent voter approval?

To see the entire brochure (PDF), click here.