Property tax is a tax levied or assessed on the owner of property—often real property (real estate)—that is based on the property’s appraised value. Local governments often impose property taxes to finance their school districts, police departments, fire departments, and municipal projects such as construction and maintenance of streets and roads.

Most local government authorities (often counties) allow citizens to dispute or challenge the appraised value of their property through an administrative process initiated with the tax assessor or appraisal district.

In New York State, property tax is primarily a local government revenue source used to fund schools, municipalities, and counties. Property taxes are based on the assessed value of real property, which includes land and buildings. Local assessors determine the property's value, and the tax rate is then applied to this assessed value to calculate the property tax owed. Property owners in New York have the right to challenge their property's assessment if they believe it is not accurate. This process typically involves a review by the local Board of Assessment Review, and if the property owner is still dissatisfied with the outcome, they can appeal to the New York State Board of Real Property Tax Services. The specific procedures and deadlines for challenging property assessments vary by jurisdiction, but generally, property owners must file a grievance on the designated Grievance Day, which is usually the fourth Tuesday in May.