How to Update your Building Class or Tax Class in NYC

Property owners have the right to challenge the Department of Finance’s assessments and correct erroneous information associated with their properties. The following forms should be used: 

• Request for Review: to request that the Department of Finance reconsider the property’s market value based on factors such as finances, comparable sales, building use/classification, physical development, or structural features. 
• Request to Update: to update the descriptive property data and information that appeared on your most recent Notice of Property Value (NOPV). 
• Administrative Review: to correct errors in your property assessment or property tax. Review the error correction page for the specific cases that fall under this filing type. This form cannot be used to dispute your property’s valuation.

Based on the situation that you explained to us (legal 3 family being taxed as a 4 family), our suggestion would be for you to file a Request for Review and a Request to Update. Below is a step-by-step guide for submitting them: 

1. Determine the Type of Update Needed

Common updates with the DOB include:

• Correcting building classification or occupancy.
• Updating property owner information.
• Updating square footage.
• Addressing errors in the Building Information System (BIS).

2. Gather Required Documents

You’ll need evidence to support your request, such as:

• Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Letter of No Objection (LNO), or CO search.
• Architectural or engineering plans (if applicable).
• Current property tax records.
• Proof of ownership (e.g., deed or title).
• Any DOB correspondence regarding the issue.

3. Complete the Correct Form

To update your building class and/or tax class with Department of Finance, you can use the link below to file online or use the form links below to submit them by mail (If you don’t have an NYCID account you can create one on the site): 

https://www.nyc.gov/assets/finance/jump/property_rfr.html

• Click the link that says “Update Property Description for…” 

Hard Copy Forms to Submit by Mail

Request for Review for Tax Class 1 Properties: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/finance/downloads/pdf/assessments/request_review_class1.pdf 

• Mail to: NYC Department of Finance, Property Division, Attn: Assessment Review, 66 John Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10038

Request for Review for Tax Class 2 Properties: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/finance/downloads/pdf/assessments/request_review_class2.pdf 

• Mail to: NYC Department of Finance, Property Division, Attn: Assessment Review, 66 John Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10038

Request to Update for Tax Class 1: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/finance/downloads/pdf/assessments/request_update_class1.pdf 

• Mail to: NYC Department of Finance, Property Division, Attn: Assessment Review, 66 John Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10038

Request to Update for Tax Class 2: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/finance/downloads/pdf/assessments/request_update_class2.pdf

• Mail to: NYC Department of Finance, Property Division, Attn: Assessment Review, 66 John Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10038

Administrative Review Form: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/finance/downloads/pdf/property/pro-1608.pdf

Mail to: New York City Department of Finance Property Division, Administrative Review, 66 John Street. 12 Floor, New York, NY 10038ts/finance/downloads/pdf/assessments/request_update_class2.pdf

4. Submit the Request

• Online via NYC Department of Finance: Most updates are submitted through the NYC DOF portal. Create an account if you don’t already have one.

• Select the appropriate service type (e.g. Request for Review, Request to Update, etc).

• Upload completed forms and supporting documents.

• Pay any applicable filing fees.

• In-Person Submission: If you prefer to drop the forms off in person, you can do so by visiting New York City Department of Finance Property Division, Administrative Review, 66 John Street. 12 Floor, New York, NY 10038

5. Wait for Review

The DOF will review your request:

• They may ask for additional documents or clarification.
• Track your request status via DOF Online or follow up at the Department of Finance Property Division. 

6. Receive Confirmation

Once approved, you’ll receive:

• Updated records or written confirmation of the approved change.

If you would also like to challenge your Notice of Property Value (NOPV) with the NYC Tax Commission, click the link below and follow the instructions. There you will be able to submit an appeal and request a commission review. The Department of Finance and the Tax Commission are separate agencies. The Department of Finance (Finance) annually values all parcels of real property in the City. The Tax Commission is an independent agency created to provide property owners with an independent review of the assessed value of their property, tax class, and exemption status determined by the Department of Finance. A property owner that believes the Department of Finance’s determination of the Assessed Value and/or Tax Class for their property is incorrect, can appeal to the Tax Commission.

https://www.nyc.gov/site/taxcommission/about/challenging-notice-of-property-value.page