# New York City property owners demand tax refund

> New York City property owners claim overcharged taxes: 'We want a refund'.
- Title: New York City property owners demand tax refund | Shortify
- Summary: New York City property owners claim overcharged taxes: 'We want a refund'. New York City property owners say they were overcharged taxes due to clerical…
- Keywords: new york city, property taxes, department of finance, tax commission, clerical error, refund request, news, local, York, City, property, owners
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/post/nyc-property-owners-claim-new-york-city-overcharged-taxes-want-refund/19861895
- Published: 2026-09-23T22:07:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new york city, property taxes, department of finance, tax commission, clerical error, refund request, news, local
## Property owners report overcharged taxes
Some New Yorkers say they've been overpaying property taxes and can't get refunds from the city.

> We overpaid and it's really just a refund that's due, it's very simple
## Rudolph's building overvalued by 2,000 sq ft
Ron Rudolph says his building has 2,000 square feet less than recorded and owes $250 to $300,000 in refunds.

> It's about 35,000 per year and with interest we think it's between $250 and $300,000 that we're owed from the Department of Finance
## City denies refund for past taxes
Rudolph submitted a clerical error report but was denied refunds for past taxes despite city correcting square footage.

> No one has really responded to us
## Tax system described as broken
Councilmember Linda Lee says the property tax system is broken and needs an overhaul.

> The property tax system in and of itself is very broken
## Department of Finance explains valuation process
The Department of Finance states square footage isn't the sole factor in property valuation and allows appeals to the Tax Commission.

> The NYC Administrative Code provides for the administrative review performed by DOF of clerical errors
## Refund process delayed for years
Buildings can receive a three to six year refund if they file within the correct timeframe but Rudolph says no one has responded.

> It's really difficult
## Key takeaway

New York City property owners say they were overcharged taxes due to clerical errors and are seeking refunds from the Department of Finance.