School Taxes
Frequently Asked Questions
What are this year’s tax rates?
See our Tax Rates History page.
When are payments for tax bills due?
The Ithaca City School District school taxes are mailed to property owners on October 1. This year's deadline for paying without penalty is October 1 to October 31, 2022. There is a penalty of 2% if paid between November 1 and November 30, 2022, and a penalty of 3% if paid between December 1 and December 29, 2022.
How or where can I pay my tax bill?
There are now several options to pay your tax bill.
- Credit card: pay online at www.taxlookup.net.
- ACH: submit the Authorization Agreement for Direct Payments form by October 15, 2022.
- Bank: pay in person at any Tompkins Trust Company Branch.
- Mail: mail checks to:
Ithaca City School District
c/o Tompkins Trust Company
PO Box 6533
Ithaca, NY 14851
Why didn't I receive a tax bill?
All tax bills were sent to property owners on record as of July 1, 2022. If you are a property owner and did not receive a tax bill, you can print a copy at www.taxlookup.net or contact the ICSD Tax Office immediately at (607) 274-2217 for a copy of the bill for your property. You are still responsible by State Tax Law to pay your bill by November 1, 2022 for no penalty to be charged.
“Unfortunately, there is no provision of law which would permit a waiver of penalties and interest arising out of a failure to make timely payment of tax bills. Furthermore, the fact that she failed to receive a statement of taxes due does not in any way affect her liability for taxes levied (Real Property Tax Law, §922).”
For property tax law questions please call the NYS Property Tax Information Center at: 518-591-5232
What if I received a school tax bill for a property I no longer own?
The new owner’s information was not received by the Assessment Office in time to be reflected on the school tax bill. Please forward the bill to the new owner or return it to the Tax Collector, with the name and address of the new owner, if available.
If I have an escrow account, why did I still receive a school tax bill?
All property owners receive the original copy of their school tax bill. Escrow companies will receive a list of properties for which they are responsible. They also contact the school tax office during tax collection time to obtain tax information.
Can I make two or more payments?
No. Partial payments are not accepted.
Why is my STAR exemption missing?
Contact your local Assessment Office concerning any exemptions. (Click here to learn more about STAR and the proposed STAR Exemption Reimbursement Cut.)
I am a veteran - why don’t I see the exemption reflected on my school tax bill?
Veteran’s exemptions do not apply for school taxes.
Why do I get a long message when I call the tax phone line?
Staffing is limited in the School Tax Office even during tax collection. Please leave a message and someone will respond to your call within 24 business hours.
What dates do the taxes for 2022 cover?
When your bill is paid in October 2022, it covers the school fiscal year. The school fiscal year runs from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
