Top-of-bill identifiers
- SBL (Section, Block, Lot) — Your unique parcel identifier within the town.
- SWIS Code — 6-digit code identifying the town (e.g., 472800 = Islip). Learn more.
- School District — The district that gets the largest share of your bill (60–75%).
- Property class — NY ORPS code. 210 = single family residence, 220 = two family, etc.
Levy section
Suffolk shows each taxing jurisdiction separately, with the rate per $1,000 and the dollar amount.
- County tax — Suffolk County levy per $1,000 (typically $3-4).
- Town tax — Your town’s levy ($2-5 per $1,000).
- School District tax — The largest line item ($8-25+ per $1,000 depending on district).
- Library tax — Often separate from school tax in Suffolk.
- Special districts — Fire, ambulance, sewer, water, lighting — each can be a separate line.
Exemptions section
- STAR (Basic or Enhanced) — Reduces school tax portion. Applies whether you have the exemption or the credit.
- Senior Citizens — Up to 50% reduction on county + town + school. Income-tested.
- Veterans (Alternative) — 15–25%+ reduction in assessed value.
- Volunteer Firefighter — Varies by Suffolk town. Town of Babylon, Brookhaven, and Huntington adopted the exemption.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Suffolk bill have a “Special District” line for $2,400?
That’s likely fire district + ambulance + library + water/sewer combined. Suffolk towns vary in how special districts are billed. Brookhaven, for example, has dozens of fire/ambulance districts — each homeowner pays only into the ones they’re in.
What is “Town Outside Village” (TOV)?
If you’re in an unincorporated part of your town (not in a village), you pay the Town Outside Village rate. Village residents pay the village rate AND a reduced town rate. TOV is usually higher than the village-resident town rate, but villages charge their own tax on top.
How do I dispute a Suffolk special district charge?
Each special district is a separate entity with its own commissioners. Contact the district directly (phone/website usually printed on bill). For assessment-level disputes → file a grievance with your Town BAR.
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Sources and citations
- Suffolk County Comptroller — Information for taxpayers suffolkcountyny.gov
Last verified May 11, 2026. Tax rules change; we re-check every page each quarter.
Educational content and estimates only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Verify with your county or town receiver, an attorney or a CPA before making financial decisions.