Robert J. Firestone Confirmed as President of the NYC Tax Commission

On May 28, 2025, the New York City Council confirmed Mayor Eric Adams’ nomination of Robert J. Firestone as President of the New York City Tax Commission, the agency responsible for reviewing and correcting real property assessments citywide. The approval concluded a detailed confirmation process, beginning with the Mayor’s April 25 submission of Mr. Firestone’s nomination, followed by an initial Rules Committee hearing on April 28, a brief referral at the May 1 stated meeting, and ultimately a favorable committee report and final Council approval on May 28.

About the NYC Tax Commission

The New York City Tax Commission plays a vital role by providing oversight and independent review of property assessments issued by the Department of Finance. Property owners who believe their assessments are inaccurate or unfair can appeal to the Tax Commission. Through impartial hearings, the Commission evaluates these appeals, making determinations that directly affect the amount of property taxes owed by owners each year.

A New Leader with Deep Experience

A lifelong New Yorker—raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, and currently residing in Manhattan—Robert J. Firestone brings extensive expertise, with 44 years dedicated to state and city tax matters. His prior roles include 18 years as a Commissioner of the NYC Tax Appeals Tribunal, where he continues hearing income and excise tax cases, and serving as a Tax Commission hearing officer, conducting over 26,000 property-tax valuation hearings. Mr. Firestone’s impressive career further includes 13 years with the City Law Department’s Tax & Bankruptcy Division, where he advanced to assistant chief and senior counsel, along with private practice experience at Sullivan & Cromwell. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Brooklyn College, a J.D. from New York Law School, and an LL.M. in Taxation from NYU, and currently teaches state and local tax law as an adjunct professor.

Term, Salary, and Dual Service

Mr. Firestone will serve out the remainder of a six-year term concluding January 6, 2026, earning an annual salary of $221,151. During his April 28 testimony, he confirmed his intention to continue his role at the Tax Appeals Tribunal, contingent upon receiving a mayoral waiver, emphasizing that the Tribunal and the Tax Commission cover distinct areas of tax law without overlap.

Commitment to Fair and Accessible Hearings

Throughout his testimony, Mr. Firestone emphasized the importance of clear communication and fairness for property owners navigating the assessment appeals process. He highlighted his commitment to outreach programs conducted in each borough, assisting unrepresented property owners in understanding assessment procedures and leveraging available resources to verify comparable sales data. Additionally, Mr. Firestone pledged continued annual reviews of the Commission’s documentation and instructions to ensure transparency and ease of use.

A Personal Note

I have appeared before Mr. Firestone numerous times over the years and have always found him to be fair-minded, thorough, and insightful. He expertly manages complex valuation issues, demonstrating both a profound understanding of real estate and tax law and a genuine openness to each case. I am enthusiastic about continuing to collaborate with him in his new role to effectively advocate for property owners across the city.