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Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) – Appealing BAR Decisions

• Board of Assessment Review Determination Letters are mailed March 1, 2012 by the City of Buffalo. If you have not received your Determination Letter, call the Department of Assessment and Taxation at 716-851-5772.
  
• If you plan to appeal the Determination, you must file a petition for Small Claims Assessment Review. Petition forms are available from the Erie County Clerk’s Office – Actions and Proceedings Room, First Floor, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202, or online at www.orps.state.ny.us. 
  
• Filing fee is $30.00 – which may be refundable if you prevail in your claim.
  
• Petitions must be filed no later than Friday, March 31, 2012.
  
• File 3 copies of the Petition at the Erie County Clerk’s Office, Actions and Proceedings Room, First Floor, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202. File one copy of the Petition with the Office of the City Clerk, City of Buffalo, Room 1308 City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York, 14202, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.
  
• There is no need to file or send copies of the Petition to the Assessment and Taxation Department or to the Corporation Counsel. The City Clerk will provide these offices with copies of your Petition for Small Claims Assessment Review.
  
• The Court will assign your petition to a Hearing Officer who will advise you of your hearing date, time and location.