FAQs & Helpful Hints
Frequently asked questions
Q: I never received my bill, or received it late, do I still have to pay the penalty?
A: Yes, the failure to mail a statement or the failure of a property owner to receive a statement will not affect the validity of the taxes or interest prescribed by law (New York State Real Property Tax Law §922). In addition, neither the Receiver of Taxes nor any other official has legal authority to waive statutory penalty charges. These are fixed by the Real Property Tax Law. If they are waived, the collecting officer will be personally responsible. As all records are audited by State examiners, there is absolutely no discretion in this matter. The Constitution and the law of the State mandates the procedure.
Q: If I mail my payment on the due date do I have to pay a penalty?
A: In order to avoid any possibility of delay by mail we suggest that if payment is to be made within the last few days of the month in which due, make certain that you witness a TIMELY OFFICIAL UNITED STATES POSTMARK being affixed to the envelope. Postage meters and foreign postmarks are not acceptable.
New York State Law provides that a municipality cannot waive penalties on Real Estate taxes received after the due date FOR ANY REASON.
Q: Do you accept payment with credit cards/debit cards?
A: Yes, you can pay your taxes with a credit or debit card, online only. *Third party processing fee applies.
If you have any questions please contact the Tax Office.
Q: Can I pay my taxes in installments?
A: Yes, you may.
Installment Payment Option Plan: If your total tax is more than $50.00 you have the option of paying your County/Town tax in four installments.
If you elect to pay in installments, a 5% Service Charge will be added to the total tax amount. This charge is collected by the Rockland County Commissioner of Finance.
The first installment is paid to the Town of Ramapo and is due on or before January 31st. Installments 2 through 4 must be paid to the Rockland County Commissioner of Finance, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building A 8th floor Pomona NY 10970 845-364-3878.
The Rockland County Commissioner of Finance will issue reminder notices at the appropriate time for each installment due date. Only the first payment should be sent to the Town of Ramapo. All remaining payments are to be sent to Rockland County Commissioner of Finance.
Please note: Installment payment option is available only on the County/Town tax bill. Partial payment will not be accepted for the School Tax Bill.
Q: What if my mailing address changes?
A: Address changes must be made in writing. Notify either the Tax Office or the Assessors Office by mail or fax if you wish to change your mailing address.
Q: What if I think there's an error on my tax bill?
A: If you feel there is an error in your tax amount, you must bring it to the attention of the Town of Ramapo Assessor.
If a correction is to be made, a corrected tax bill will be issued ONLY after receipt of signed "Correction to the Tax Roll" documentation from the Rockland County Real Property Tax Dept.
New York State Law prohibits the Receiver of Taxes from making adjustments to the tax bills until approved by that office.
Helpful Hints from the Receiver of Taxes:
If you are to sell your house:
Do not take advantage of the Installment Payment Option: this could cause confusion and problems at the closing and it is very expensive (Service Fee is 5% of total tax bill amount). At closing you will receive credit for unused portion of taxes.
When your mortgage is paid up
In order to make sure you will receive the tax bills prior to the Penalty Period (October for School taxes and February for the County/Town taxes). You must notify the Tax Office in your Town and Village. Send or Fax a copy of the “Satisfaction of Mortgage” letter from your Lender.
VILLAGE TAXES: Each Village bills and collects taxes separately
The Town of Ramapo DOES NOT COLLECT TAXES FOR THE VILLAGES.