Local Resources
Property Taxes in Erie & Niagara County: When Bills Come and How to Lower Them
Most WNY homeowners get two or three tax bills a year, not one. If your lender escrows, it pays them. If not, budget for each one.
| Bill | Typical timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Town/County tax (suburbs) | Mailed in Jan–Feb, due Jan–Mar (each town sets its date) | Example: Newstead mails by Feb 14, due Mar 15. Town of Newstead |
| School tax (suburbs) | Mailed in September, due about mid-October | Unpaid school tax is re-levied onto the next town/county bill |
| Village tax (village residents) | Usually mid-year | Separate bill from the village |
| City of Buffalo | 1st half due July 31, 2nd half due Dec 31, sewer rent due Sept 30, Erie County tax due Feb 15 | City of Buffalo |
STAR (School Tax Relief): new homeowners can only get the STAR credit, a check from NY State. Income limit: up to $500,000 for Basic STAR. Enhanced STAR (an owner 65+) has an income limit of $110,750 for 2026 benefits and $113,550 for 2027. Register with the NYS Tax Department after you close. The seller’s STAR doesn’t transfer to you. NYS Tax
Other exemptions to ask your assessor about: veterans, seniors with limited income, persons with disabilities, and agricultural.
Think your assessment is too high? File a grievance with your town’s Board of Assessment Review. In most towns, Grievance Day is in late May. Kunji can pull comparable sales to support it.