[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Brooklyn – Councilman David G. Greenfield is urging non-profit organizations to fill out their property tax exemption forms in order to avoid facing property tax bills in 2012.  Every non-profit that receives exemption from property taxes is required to renew that exemption on an annual basis although, in recent years, the city has not been proactive in enforcing this rule.  This year, however, the New York City Department of Finance (DOF) is planning on taking a much more aggressive stance and plans on billing organizations that don’t renew their exemptions.

The DOF has sent two mailings to organizations that currently receive property tax breaks, and is requiring all organizations to fill out the enclosed forms and return them by the due date: this Monday, December 5th. The latest mailing went out to over one hundred tax-exempt addresses in Councilman Greenfield’s district.  Of those properties, only 22 have responded to the DOF as of the 14th of November.

“When people don’t recognize a mailing they tend to ignore it. That’s why I am calling every group in my district that has not yet replied to the Department of Finance. However, there are many more groups throughout New York City that stand to lose tens of thousands of dollars in property tax exemptions.” Greenfield added that a small percentage of groups may have moved and not even received those notices from the DOF. Those groups are encouraged to correct their address on-line HERE.

The Not-for-Profit Exemption Renewal Form requires tax exempt organizations to provide basic information about the nature of their work.  The form asks for the organization’s taxpayer ID, as well as info on whether its federal tax exempt status has changed, whether there is any difference in the property’s uses, and whether the organization has altered its bylaws.  Any group that should have been sent an exemption renewal form, but has not received one yet should contact the Department of Finance immediately at [email protected].  Non-profits should provide the name and phone number of a contact person at the organization, an updated mailing address, and the address and/or borough, block, and lot of any properties currently receiving not-for-profit tax exemptions.

Organizations with any questions about filling out the form may contact the DOF at 311 or by e-mailing [email protected].  Organizations may also call Councilman Greenfield’s office at 718-853-2704 with any questions about the property tax exemption process.

Click HERE to watch this video on a mobile device.

(YWN Desk – NYC)