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Making the Most of Property Assessors Offices - Massachusetts

Save on taxes with property assessors in Massachusetts

By Emmet McMahan
Making the most of property assessors offices in Massachusetts will require the office to assess the market value of a property. This value is then multiplied by the tax rate to determine the actual tax that the owner must pay on the property each year. Property tax rates may be set by organizations such as cities, counties or school districts.

Massachusetts property assessors offices use several factors such as location and size to determine the value of a property assessment. Massachusetts assessments are usually accurate and require a property value appeal only on rare occasions. There are three things you need to do when evaluating the property value as determined by the assessor’s office:
  1. Obtain the information the property assessor uses to make the Massachusetts property assessments. You should already know the size and location of the property, but the assessor also will be able to provide the value of other properties in your area.
  2. Get a professional appraisal so you may compare it to the property value by the Massachusetts assessor.
  3. Appeal the assessor’s valuation of your property if needed. Massachusetts assessors have a specific procedure for accomplishing this.

 

Learn more about the laws regarding Massachusetts property assessments

Each state has laws that provide guidelines on the way that property values are assessed. There also may be laws that specify what property tax information is publicly available.
Try: The Massachusetts Trial Court Libraries provides links to state laws that are specific to property taxes in Massachusetts. MassResources.org discusses the laws regarding real estate tax exemptions.

Find out how professional appraisers determine Massachusetts property values

Appraisers may use different methods to estimate the value of your property. You will want to ensure the professional appraiser considers the same factors as the property assessor.
Try: Ace Appraisal has a FAQ that covers its appraisal process. O'Hara Buthray Associates describes a property appraisal and also provides links to related information.

Learn how your local government performs a Massachusetts property assessment

Many local agencies have online resources available to help you with your property tax assessment. You should be able to locate this information on your county's website, in addition to other information regarding property taxes.
Try: The Town of Carver Board of Assessors offers links to information on property taxes and also has a property search application. The City of Greenfield Assessor's Office provides a taxpayer's guide specific to that city.

 

  • Check with your Massachusetts property assessor to see if you qualify for any exemptions on your property assessment. Exemptions may be recognized for disabled veterans, senior citizens or non-profit organizations. File any appeals to your current tax assessment before the tax deadline. It will be more difficult to obtain a favorable ruling on an appeal after the deadline.

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