Where to send your NYC property tax payment

You can pay your NYC property tax bill to the Department of Finance in three ways: by mail, online, or in person. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment recorded and whether you want a paper record.

Mail payments to the Department of Finance, Property Tax Unit, 66 John Street, New York, NY 10038. Include your property's tax identification number (shown on your bill) and a check or money order made payable to "NYC Department of Finance." Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send it at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late payment.

Online payment through the NYC Department of Finance website (nyc.gov/finance) is the fastest method. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or electronic bank transfer. Credit card payments charge a convenience fee (the percentage varies by processor), while bank transfers do not. Online payments post to your account within one business day.

In-person payments are accepted at the Department of Finance office at 66 John Street, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your bill and a check, money order, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted in person. Payment is recorded the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through nyc.gov/finance is fastest and posts within one business day, though credit card payments charge a convenience fee.
  • Mail payments to 66 John Street, but allow 7 to 10 business days for arrival, so send them at least two weeks before the due date.
  • In-person payment at the Department of Finance office records immediately and accepts checks, money orders, and debit cards, but not credit cards.
  • Always include your property's tax identification number on your payment so it reaches the correct account.
  • Late payments trigger a 10 percent penalty plus interest, which accrues daily from the due date forward.

What happens if you miss the due date

A late payment penalty of 10 percent of the unpaid tax is added to your bill if you do not pay by the due date shown on your bill. Interest also accrues at a rate set by the city (currently 7.5 percent annually, though this rate changes) and compounds daily from the due date forward.

The Department of Finance does not send a separate notice before adding the penalty. The penalty appears on your next bill or in your online account. If you pay late, the penalty and interest are added to the amount owed, so the longer you wait, the more you owe.

If your property tax account falls more than one year behind, the city can place a lien on your property. A lien means the city has a legal claim against your home and can prevent you from selling or refinancing until the debt is paid. The city can also foreclose on the property and sell it to recover the unpaid taxes, though this typically happens only after several years of non-payment and a formal notice process.

Setting up automatic or recurring payments

The NYC Department of Finance does not offer automatic payment directly through their website, but you can set up a recurring payment through your own bank's bill pay system. Log into your bank's online portal, add the Department of Finance as a payee, and schedule payments for the dates your bills are due.

When you set up bank bill pay, your bank sends a check on the date you specify. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the check to arrive and post, so schedule the payment at least two weeks before the due date. Some banks charge a small fee for bill pay service, though many offer it free.

Alternatively, you can pay online each quarter when your bill arrives. The NYC Department of Finance website shows your bill amount and due date, so you can mark your calendar and pay on the same day each quarter to avoid missing a deadline.

Understanding your bill and payment address

Your property tax bill shows the amount due, the due date, and your property's tax identification number (a nine-digit number that identifies your specific property in the city's records). The bill also lists the address where you should mail payment: 66 John Street, New York, NY 10038.

Some bills include a tear-off stub with a barcode. If your bill has this stub, include it with your payment when you mail it. The barcode helps the Department of Finance route your payment to the correct account faster. If you pay online, you do not need the stub — just enter your property's tax ID number.

Your bill may also show an account number or reference number different from your tax ID. Use the tax ID number when paying online or by phone, as it is the permanent identifier for your property. The account number can change if the property is sold or transferred.

Paying a bill for a property you recently bought

If you recently purchased a property, you may receive a bill addressed to the previous owner. Do not ignore it. Contact the Department of Finance at 311 or visit their website to confirm who is responsible for the current bill period. Usually, the seller is responsible for taxes up to the closing date, and you are responsible from the closing date forward.

The Department of Finance may send you a corrected bill showing only your portion of the year's taxes. This can take 30 to 60 days after closing. In the meantime, if you receive a bill for the full year, call 311 to verify the amount you actually owe before paying.

If you pay a bill that should have been the seller's responsibility, you may be able to recover the overpayment through your closing attorney or title company. Keep copies of all bills and payment receipts to document what you paid and when.

Getting a receipt and tracking your payment

When you pay online, the Department of Finance sends a confirmation email with a receipt number and the payment amount. Save this email as proof of payment. You can also log into your account on nyc.gov/finance to view your payment history and confirm the payment posted.

If you pay by mail, the Department of Finance does not send a receipt automatically. To confirm your payment arrived, wait 10 to 15 business days after mailing, then log into your online account or call 311 to verify the payment posted. If you want a mailed receipt, include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your check and request a receipt on the envelope.

In-person payments at 66 John Street receive a receipt immediately. The receipt shows the amount paid, the date, and a confirmation number. Keep this receipt for your records.

Paying property taxes on a rental or investment property

If you own a rental property or investment property in NYC, you receive a separate tax bill for that property. The payment process is identical to owner-occupied property: you can pay online, by mail, or in person using the same Department of Finance address and methods.

Some landlords and property managers set aside a portion of rent each month to cover the quarterly tax bills. This prevents a large bill from catching you off guard. You can also deduct property taxes paid during the year on your federal income tax return, so keep records of all payments.

If you own multiple properties in NYC, each receives its own bill with its own tax ID number. Pay each bill separately using the correct tax ID to ensure the payment reaches the right account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my NYC property tax bill with a credit card online?

Yes, you can pay with a credit card through nyc.gov/finance, but the Department of Finance charges a convenience fee (usually 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount, depending on the processor). Paying by debit card or electronic bank transfer does not charge a fee, so those methods cost less if you want to use a card.

What if I pay my property tax bill late by accident?

A 10 percent penalty is added to your unpaid tax, plus daily interest at the current city rate. The penalty and interest appear on your next bill. Pay as soon as you notice the late payment to stop interest from accruing further. The penalty itself is not waived, but paying promptly limits how much interest you owe.

Do I need to include anything with my mailed check besides the check itself?

Include the tear-off stub from your bill if it has one, as the barcode helps route your payment correctly. Write your property's tax ID number on the check memo line. A self-addressed stamped envelope can be included if you want a mailed receipt, though this is optional.

How do I know if my online payment went through?

You receive a confirmation email immediately after paying online, with a receipt number and payment amount. Log into your account on nyc.gov/finance within one business day to see the payment posted to your account. If you do not see it within two business days, call 311 to confirm.

Can I pay someone else's property tax bill if I have power of attorney?

Yes, you can pay online or by mail using the property owner's tax ID number. In person, bring a copy of the power of attorney document along with your ID. The Department of Finance staff will verify the document before accepting payment on behalf of the owner.