2025/26 School Tax Season: What Long Island Homeowners Are Experiencing

2025/26 School Tax Season: What Long Island Homeowners Are Experiencing

We are currently in the 2025/26 school tax season.Its this time of year that  Long Island homeowners in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties are preparing for one of the biggest property-related expenses of the year - their school tax bills. Understanding how these rates are determined and what changes to expect this season can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.

At Property Tax Reduction Consultants (PTRC), we help homeowners stay informed and proactive when it comes to Long Island school taxes and property assessments. Here’s what you need to know for 2025/26.

How Are Long Island School Taxes Set?

School taxes on Long Island are based on each district’s budget, which is approved by local voters each spring. The amount each homeowner pays depends on:

  1. The total school district budget

    • Every district calculates its required funding for the year.

  2. The district’s total assessed value

    • This is the total taxable property value in that district.

  3. Your individual property’s assessment

    • Determined by your local assessor, this number represents your property’s share of the total tax burden.

In simple terms:
District Budget ÷ Total Assessed Value = Tax Rate

So, even if your property assessment stays the same, your Long Island school taxes in 2025 can increase if your district passes a higher budget or if fewer properties are shouldering the tax burden.

When Are School Tax Bills Due in 2025/26?

Here’s what homeowners should expect for school tax bills in Nassau County and Suffolk County:

Nassau County

  • First half: Due October 1, 2025, payable without penalty through November 10, 2025

  • Second half: Due April 1, 2026

Suffolk County

  • Full year: Bills typically issued in December 2025

  • First half: Due by January 10, 2026

  • Second half: Due by May 31, 2026

(Dates subject to county confirmation — always review your official tax bill.)

How School Taxes Affect Your Property Assessment

School taxes are closely tied to your property’s assessed value. If you believe your property is over-assessed, you may be paying more than your fair share in school taxes. This is where PTRC can help.

PTRC specializes in property tax grievance filing, helping Long Island homeowners challenge over-assessments and reduce their annual tax bills — including the school tax portion.

➡️ Learn more about how to file a property tax grievance on Long Island with PTRC.

What to Expect in 2025/26

With inflation and rising school budgets across Long Island, modest school tax increases are likely in many districts. Homeowners should expect:

  • Higher school budgets due to increased operating costs

  • Possible assessment changes following reassessments in select towns

  • More homeowners filing grievances to offset tax hikes

By planning early and understanding your options, you can protect your finances this school tax season.

Lower Your Long Island School Taxes with PTRC

Since 1990, PTRC has helped tens of thousands of Long Island homeowners in Nassau and Suffolk Counties successfully reduce their property taxes. Don’t wait until your next school tax bill arrives — see if you qualify for savings today. Start your free property tax reduction application with PTRC.

 


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