Unclaimed Savings: Why Nearly 40% of LI Isn't Fighting High Property Taxes

If you're a Long Island homeowner or property owner, there's a strong chance you're overpaying on your property taxes. And if you're not filing a tax grievance, you're likely paying even more than you should.

A recent survey of Long Island homeowners by Ownwell finds that 62% of Nassau and Suffolk County homeowners have filed a property tax grievance — nearly triple the national rate of 22%. This isn't just savvy financial planning; it's become a necessary defense against a property tax system that many homeowners say is broken.

A System That Penalizes Non-Filers

Perhaps the most troubling finding from the survey:

93% of Long Island homeowners agree that the current property tax system  negatively affects those who don't file grievances. 

Here's how it works: When a significant portion of property owners successfully appeal their assessments, the overall tax burden doesn't disappear; it shifts to those who didn't appeal.

This means homeowners who trust their initial assessments aren't aware they can appeal, or find the process too confusing, and end up subsidizing tax reductions for those who do file.

"This isn't how a fair property tax system should function," said Colton Pace, Founder and CEO of Ownwell. "Homeowners shouldn't need insider knowledge to pay their fair share."

The Affordability Crisis

Nassau County homeowners pay a median of $3,678 annually, and Suffolk County residents pay $13,740, both far exceeding the national median of $2,400.

It's no surprise that 95% of Long Island homeowners express concern about the long-term affordability of owning a home here due to property tax increases.

These aren't just numbers on a tax bill. They represent real financial pressure on you and neighboring families trying to stay in the communities they love.

Why Nearly 40% Still Haven't Filed

Despite these concerns and the clear financial benefits, nearly 4 in 10 Long Island homeowners have never filed a property tax grievance.

Among those who haven't filed, 41% were unaware they could challenge their assessment, and 13% found the processconfusing. This knowledge gap is costing homeowners thousands of dollars annually.

The need for reform (or, at a minimum, accessible appeal options) has never been clearer.

Not All Property Tax Services Are The Same

This is where Ownwell makes a difference. Unlike the traditional property tax firms and boutique law firms that charge a higher percentage of savings and don’t cover SCAR filing fees, if your case is escalated.

Also, Ownwell has strong results. They’ve achieved 6.6% to 8.8% average reductions for properties valued between $300,000 and $3 million at the pre-SCAR level.

They’ve achieved 4% to 24% higher reductions than other Nassau County property tax firms for properties valued between $300,000 and $1 million at the pre-SCAR level.

You can enter your address here (no contact info needed) to see how much you're overpaying on property taxes!

Ownwell combines advanced data analysis with local expert representation to build the strongest property tax appeal case using hundreds of comparable data points. They manage all paperwork, complex filings, and advocacy for you.

Time Is Running Out: Important Deadlines

If you're considering filing a property tax grievance, time is critical. Ensure you file before the deadlines!

Missing these deadlines means waiting another year and continuing to overpay on your property taxes.

Don't Let Your Neighbors' Grievances Cost You More

The data is clear: Long Island's property tax system has created an environment where filing a grievance isn't just smart financial planning — it's necessary to avoid overpaying.

When the majority of your neighbors are successfully appealing their assessments, not filing means you're likely shouldering more than your fair share of the tax burden.

Ownwell makes the process simple, affordable, and effective.

Visit Ownwell.com to see if you qualify for a reduction. With no upfront costs and payment only upon successful savings, there's no risk. Only potential savings.makes the process simple, affordable, and effective.

In a property tax system where knowledge and action determine who pays their fair share, Ownwell levels the playing field.

Don't let another year of overpayment go by. Your deadline is approaching!