Exclusive | Longtime New Yorkers fume after being hit with massive pied-à-terre tax bills: 'Is this a witch hunt?' - New York Post

What the report says

The New York Post reported that some New York City property owners say they have received large bills or notices under a new pied-à-terre tax advanced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration, even though they say the homes are their primary or only residences. The tax was described as aimed at owners of high-value second homes, but several longtime residents told the Post they believe they were wrongly flagged and must now prove they qualify for an exemption.

According to the report, Karen Young, a New Yorker since 1972, received a notice seeking $43,000 tied to her West 95th Street brownstone, where she says she has lived with her husband for 30 years. Another Manhattan homeowner, 81, told the Post she was notified of a possible $55,048 charge and said the letter was addressed to her husband, who died six years ago. West Village resident Andy Arons also criticized the notice process, while Canadian journalist Diane Francis, who said her West 57th Street apartment is a secondary residence, argued the policy unfairly targets people who spend money in the city.

The Post reported that the levy applies to one- to three-family homes worth at least $5 million and co-ops or condos valued at $1 million or more when they are non-primary residences. Owners disputing residency status reportedly have 30 days from notification to respond to the Department of Finance, while valuation challenges go through the city Tax Commission by March.

A Department of Finance spokesperson told the Post that anyone who received a letter should inquire or appeal if they believe they meet exemption criteria. The agency did not disclose how many notices were sent, according to the report.