Addabbo: Merger of NYS Tax and Finance WITH Real Property Service Agencies a Step in the Right Direction

Queens, NY, August 16, 2010 -- NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) today announced that the passage of a law  to enable the merger of the New York State Office of Real Property Services (ORPS) and the Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF) is a step in the right direction of making the state government more efficient.  “By consolidating the agency responsible for New York State taxation with
the agency that oversees local property tax administration, the State will realize more than $2 million in annual savings,” explained Addabbo.  “In addition, the merger will allow for significant administrative and program efficiencies.”

The new law also creates an independent State Board of Real Property Tax Services (ORPTS).  While the programs and policies of ORPTS will now be administered by the DTF, the new State Board will review complaints against equalization rates and special franchise values established by the Office of Real Property Tax Services.

According to the Senator, the merger of these state agencies will save millions of dollars each year, while improving tax administration and taxpayer service throughout the State.  He believes that this is a prime example of the cost reduction and service consolidation that is necessary during these difficult fiscal times. Addabbo compared the current merger of state agencies to the measures he supported while in the City Council when the city government made similar changes during its fiscal issues in 2002. “During tough financial times, our government must become leaner and more efficient
in order to provide our people services and save money,” Addabbo noted. 

Officials from the agencies have maintained that the merger is structured in such a way that the services of each agency will continue, while further cost reductions can be achieved through administrative efficiencies.

 “I will continue to support and advance legislative initiatives and measures that will streamline our state government to ensure that services are delivered in the most cost-effective manner,” concluded Addabbo. 

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