Bill > A04445

This bill establishes comprehensive protections and assistance for homeowners facing tax lien foreclosure, with several key provisions designed to help property owners avoid losing their homes. The bill creates a new "Homeowner Bill of Rights" that expands protections for residential property owners, including allowing heirs or successors to benefit from these rights, mandating that tax lien foreclosures be judicial proceedings, and requiring pre-foreclosure settlement conferences. Homeowners will now have the right to be informed about tax dues, enter into installment payment plans, and receive a grace period for payment (especially for senior citizens). The bill also establishes a new senior, disabled, and veteran homeowner real property tax assistance program, which ensures that tax assistance payments will not be counted as income or resources when determining eligibility for other benefits. Additionally, starting in 2026, local taxing jurisdictions must offer installment plan options for taxpayers to pay taxes on at least a quarterly basis. Notably, the bill provides that homeowners will receive any surplus from a property sale after a tax lien is satisfied, and homeowner payments toward delinquent taxes will be applied in reverse chronological order. The legislation aims to provide more financial flexibility and protection for homeowners at risk of losing their properties due to tax delinquencies.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4445