I Just Bought a House in Islip. Why Is the Former Owner Still on My Property Tax Bill?

You finally closed on the house, received the keys and then opened the December property-tax bill to see someone else's name. Before calling your closing attorney in a panic, there is a fairly simple explanation.

Islip Uses an Earlier Ownership Date

The Town of Islip explains that the property-tax bill mailed in December uses ownership information as of March 1 of that year. If you bought after March 1, the December bill may still show the previous owner. That does not mean the former owner still owns your house.

But Don't Just Throw the Bill Away

The wrong name does not make the property tax disappear. Islip tells new homeowners to contact the Tax Office so records can be updated.

What Else Should New Owners Check?

Review square footage, lot size, improvements, property class and exemptions. Compare the Town's assessment-roll information instead of relying only on third-party websites.

Conclusion

If you bought after March 1 and the December bill shows the former owner, do not panic, but do not ignore it. Update the record and check whether the government property record matches the house you bought.

AIDOTAX helps New York homeowners understand assessments, property records and official property-tax information.