RMV Notice – Vehicle Owner’s 2022 Excise tax: It has recently come to the attention of the RMV that in a small number of cases, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) was incorrectly recorded. In those cases, the values are below the actual MSRP for the vehicle. With the error corrected, affected vehicle owners may receive a higher excise bill in 2022 than they received in 2021, which was based on the low value. See more…
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 1st 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
- 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)
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. |