8.—17b

132

It is the duty of the Deputies to examine all properties which have theretofore been exempt from taxation with reference to changes of ownership or condition which may render such property taxable. They aro required to make a report of all exempt properties by classes, of which there are about fiftyseven. Before the Ist October the annual record of the assessed valuation of real estate must be completed, and on the Ist October it is opened to public inspection. The annual record contains columns and headings as follows : —

Annual Record of Assessed Valuation of Real Estate, the City of New York, 1914.

The width of the page of the annual record is 17J in. and the page 21 in. long. It is the duty of the Deputies and their clerks to count all buildings and to report the number of buildings in each of the ten classes scheduled in the annual report. Publication of Assessments and of Exempt Property. It is the duty of the Deputy Tax Commissioners and their clerks to prepare the copy for the annual publication of the assessments of real estate. This publication is made in May by the Board of City Record. It is published as supplements to the City Record, one supplement for each section or ward. In the entire city there are about forty-eight such supplements. The publication, is a copy of the annual record of the assessed valuation of real estate, omitting only the size of the house and the number of houses on the lot. It is the duty of the Deputy and his clerk to read and correct the proof of this publication. The Deputies and their clerks have the further duty in July and August of preparing the copy for the publication of the description and valuation of all property exempted from taxation. They must prepare the copy and read and revise the proofs for this publication. Public Inspection of the Annual Record. During the month of October and the first half of November the annual record is open for public inspection, and during that time persons may make application in, writing for the reduction of the assessed valuation of any parcel in which they are interested- During this time the Deputies attend at the counter on which the books are displayed, and answer questions by taxpayers concerning assessed values. They are expected to explain the mode by which the assessed value of any property was reached, exhibiting the unit of land-value and the method of computing the value of a particular lot, the factor of value used for the building, and any other information in their possession which the taxpayer may request. In many cases where assessments have been increased the explanation furnished to the taxpayer by the Deputy satisfies the taxpayer that his assessment is not in excess of the market value of the property and is in harmony with the assessment of other property in the neighbourhood, if the taxpayer is not satisfied and desires to appeal to the Commissioners he is given a blank which contains appropriate questions to be answered concerning the character and value of the property. When such, applications are filed they are recorded by the Deputy in Charge of the Borough and delivered to the Deputy who made the assessment, with instructions to revisit the property and report in writing on the back of the application the facts concerning the property and appropriate answers to the criticisms or objections made by the taxpayer. Upon such a reinspection it not infrequently happens that tho Deputy revises his judgment and recommends a reduction. If he does not recommend a reduction he is expected to correct the statements of fact made by the taxpayer or explan why his conclusions are erroneous. About the Ist December the Commissioners commence to hear the applications of persons who asked for an oral hearing by the Commissioners. Oral hearings are only afforded when requested. In the great majority of cases applicants for a reduction do not ask to be heard in person. At the hearings by the Commissioners the Deputy whose district is under consideration attends with his field-book and map prepared to answer questions concerning the assessments under consideration. These hearings continue during the months of December and January. On the Ist February the annual record of the assessed valuation of real estate closes, and during February the Deputies and their clerks prepare the assessment rolls. The assessment rolls are a copy of the annual record with certain details omitted. All that is really necessary in the assessment roll is the description of the property by lot numbers with the assessed value. The assessment rolls must be finished in February. When they are finished they are signed by all the Commissioners. As soon

Borough of IV Manhattan. Section V. illume Block No. Between and Avenues. Bi jtween and Streets. Owner or Occupant. Description of Property. Size of , Size of Stories Houses Lot. I House. high, on L6t. i d ■+-> <p V r-H -p GQ \ $ S-i Ward, W „ £ Lot, or -S | o Map No. ||| Value of Real Estate L, , , ... ; Corrected Improvements A ™ unt - thereon. M u a ! I 1 " ! ' I l_ T