Board of Assessors

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.


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Abatements, Exemptions, and Calculations

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Calculations How do you calculate motor vehicle excise taxes?
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Motor Vehicle AbatementsAn abatement is a reduction in your excise taxes.
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Property Tax CalculationsHow is real estate valued?
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Property Tax AbatementsAn abatement is a reduction in the tax assessed on your property for the fiscal year. Compelling evidence of overvaluation of property is required.
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Property Tax ExemptionsAn Exemption releases an individual from the requirement to pay all or a fraction of their property tax obligations.
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Property Tax ReductionsExplore various ways of reducing your tax burden.
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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.

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