Board of Assessors – Ashby, Mass.

Role of Assessors in Municipal Finance | FAQs | Documents | Forms | Abatements, Exemptions and Calculations

Role of Assessors in Municipal Finance

The Board of Assessors is elected to three-year terms. State law requires that assessors value all real estate and personal property subject to taxation. Assessed valuations are based on “full and fair cash value” as of the January 1^st preceding each fiscal year.

All of the assessors’ activities are intended to ensure that taxpayers pay an equitable tax. Every year assessors conduct market studies to determine what value adjustments are required to maintain property values at or near 100% of market value. The State Department of Revenue requires assessors to submit their valuations for review and certification every three years.

Assessors do not raise or lower taxes. That responsibility falls to those citizens who choose to be involved with Town Meeting and the budget preparation process. Assessors simply assess taxes in an amount sufficient to cover state and local appropriations.

FAQs

Documents

FY24 Valuation and Tax Summary
FY22 Valuation and Tax Summary – assessed valuations based on full and fair cash value
FY21 Tax Classification hearing documentation – determination of the tax rate (video explaining tax classification starting at 15:30)
FY19 Public Disclosure – Preliminary Valuations – contact the Assessor’s office for questions on valuations)

Forms

Change of Mailing Address Form

Abatements, Exemptions, and Calculations

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Calculations	How do you calculate motor vehicle excise taxes? Learn more »
Motor Vehicle Abatements	An abatement is a reduction in your excise taxes. Learn more »
Property Tax Calculations	How is real estate valued? Learn more »
Property Tax Abatements	An abatement is a reduction in the tax assessed on your property for the fiscal year. Compelling evidence of overvaluation of property is required. Learn more »
Property Tax Exemptions	An Exemption releases an individual from the requirement to pay all or a fraction of their property tax obligations. Learn more »
Property Tax Reductions	Explore various ways of reducing your tax burden. Learn more »
Appeals	If you are not satisfied with the action taken by the local Board of Assessors office regarding your request for abatement and/or exemption, you have the right to appeal to the State Appellate Tax Board, 100 Cambridge St. Boston, MA 02204 (617) 727-3100.