Assessors Office
The Assessing Department maintains records of real estate ownership and business personal property accounts. Real estate records are updated according to deeds and subdivisions recorded and building permits applied for. Personal property accounts are updated based on data collection and Forms of Lists filed with the Assessing Office. Forms of List must be filed by March 1st of each year.
State Mandate requires a total revaluation of all real and personal property every three years and a review and update during the interim years. Real and Personal Property tax bills are issued quarterly. A taxpayer who has a question on their bill has until February 1st to file an abatement application. The application must be filed in the Assessor's Office by the close of business February 1st, or if mailed, must have a United States Post Office postmark of no later than February 1. The Assessors will review the application and the information furnished with it to determine if an abatement is warranted and will notify the taxpayer accordingly. If the application is denied or if the taxpayer is not satisfied with the decision of the Assessors, they should call and make an appointment for a hearing with the Board.
Hearings are usually held on Tuesdays. If after the decision and/or hearing the taxpayer is still dissatisfied, they have the right of appeal with the State Appellate Tax Board, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston. The Assessing Department also issues motor vehicle and boat excise tax bills and processes abatements and exemptions on those. When requested, office personnel will prepare abutters' lists for those persons seeking a variance or certain permits.