Where to send your NYC property tax payment

New York City property taxes are collected by the Department of Finance. You can pay your bill in three main ways: online through the NYC Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The online method is fastest and shows confirmation when ready. By mail, send your check or money order to the address printed on your tax bill — typically the NYC Department of Finance, P.O. Box 680, New York, NY 10008, though this can vary. In person, you can pay at any of the Department of Finance's payment centers across the five boroughs.

Your property tax bill arrives twice a year, usually in January and July. The bill shows your property's assessed value, the tax rate, and the due date. If you do not receive a bill, you can look up your account online using your property's address or block and lot number on the Department of Finance website.

Key Takeaways

  • NYC property taxes are paid to the Department of Finance, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person at a payment center.
  • Bills arrive twice yearly, and the due date is printed on each bill — paying after that date triggers a penalty and interest.
  • Online payment through the Department of Finance website shows confirmation right away and is the fastest method.
  • If you own multiple properties or have questions about your specific bill, you can call the Department of Finance or visit their website to look up your account.

Paying online through the NYC Department of Finance

The Department of Finance website lets you pay with a credit card, debit card, or bank account transfer. Go to the Department of Finance payment portal, enter your property address or block and lot number, and your bill will appear. You can then choose your payment method. Credit and debit card payments process when ready, though the Department of Finance charges a convenience fee for this service — the fee amount depends on your payment method and is shown before you confirm.

Bank account transfers (ACH) have no convenience fee but take one to two business days to post. Once you submit payment online, you receive a confirmation number right away. Keep this number for your records. If you pay before the due date shown on your bill, no penalty applies. The Department of Finance website also lets you set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once.

Paying by mail or check

To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount shown on your bill and include the payment stub that came with it. The stub has your property information printed on it, which helps the Department of Finance match your payment to your account. Mail it to the address on your bill — do not assume all payments go to the same address, as some go to different locations depending on your borough.

Mail payments take longer to reach the Department of Finance and post to your account. If your due date is approaching, mail is riskier because delays can result in a late penalty. The Department of Finance considers a payment late if it is received after the due date, not if it is postmarked by that date. For this reason, if you are close to the important date, paying online or in person is safer.

Paying in person at a Department of Finance location

The Department of Finance operates payment centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. You can pay in cash, check, or money order at these locations. Bring your bill or a copy of it so the staff can process your payment correctly. Payment centers are open during business hours on weekdays, and some locations have limited weekend hours — check the Department of Finance website for the location nearest you and its hours before you go.

Paying in person gives you a receipt on the spot and confirms your payment when ready. This method is useful if you want to avoid online fees or if you prefer to handle the transaction face-to-face. If you have questions about your bill or account, staff at the payment center can often answer them while you are there.

What happens if you pay late

If your payment is received after the due date on your bill, the Department of Finance charges a penalty. The penalty is a percentage of the unpaid tax amount and increases the longer the bill remains unpaid. Interest also accrues on the unpaid balance. Both the penalty and interest are added to your account, so your next bill will be higher.

If your bill remains unpaid for an extended period, the Department of Finance can place a lien on your property, meaning the city has a legal claim against it. This can affect your ability to sell or refinance the property. If you are having trouble paying, contact the Department of Finance to discuss a payment plan or other options before the bill becomes severely overdue.

Setting up a payment plan

If you cannot pay your full property tax bill by the due date, the Department of Finance offers payment plans. You can set this up online through their website or by calling their office. A payment plan lets you split your bill into smaller monthly payments over a set period. You will still owe penalties and interest on the unpaid balance, but a plan stops additional penalties from accruing as long as you make each payment on time.

To set up a plan, you typically need to pay a portion of the bill upfront and then arrange monthly payments for the remainder. The exact terms depend on the amount owed and your situation. The Department of Finance will send you a payment schedule showing when each payment is due. Missing a payment on the plan can cancel the agreement, so make sure you can commit to the schedule before you set it up.

Finding your property tax account online

You can look up your property tax bill and payment history on the Department of Finance website without creating an account. Enter your property address or your block and lot number — the block and lot is a unique identifier for your property that appears on your bill and on property records. The system will show your current bill, past bills, and what you have paid.

This tool is useful if you have lost your bill, want to check whether a payment has posted, or need to verify the amount owed before you pay. If you own multiple properties in NYC, you can look up each one separately using its address or block and lot number. If you have questions that the website does not answer, you can call the Department of Finance during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I pay my property tax bill twice by mistake?

Contact the Department of Finance with your confirmation numbers or payment receipts. They can identify the duplicate payment and issue a refund or credit it toward your next bill. Refunds typically take several weeks to process.

Can I pay someone else's property tax bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their permission. Use their property address or block and lot number to look up the bill online, then pay it using your own payment method. The payment will be credited to their account.

Do I need to pay property taxes if I am selling my house?

Yes, property taxes are due regardless of whether you are selling. At closing, the seller and buyer typically split the year's taxes based on how long each owned the property during that tax year. Your real estate attorney or title company handles this calculation.

What if my property tax bill seems too high?

You can file a challenge with the Department of Finance or the Tax Commission if you believe your assessed value is incorrect. The Department of Finance website has information about the challenge process and important date. You must still pay your bill on time while your challenge is pending.

Is there a discount for paying the full year upfront?

NYC does not offer a discount for early or full payment of property taxes. However, paying on time avoids penalties and interest, which saves you money compared to paying late.