An abatement is a reduction in the amount of property tax. A taxpayer may contest his or her tax liability on these grounds:
Overvaluation: The assessed value is too high.
Disproportionate Assessment: This pertains to entire property classes.
Improper Classification: When the property is improperly classified and the Town has a split tax rate.
Other: The property may be partially or fully tax-exempt.
If you believe that you are due an abatement, please contact the Assessor's Office as the required documentation will vary based on the type of property being assessed. Please provide any additional information that you have that supports your application.
Real Estate and Personal Property abatement applications are due the same day that the third quarter payment is due. If bills were mailed on or before December 31, abatement applications are due on February 1. If February 1 is not a business day, applications are due on the next business day.
The Assessors have three months from the date your application was filed to act on it. If the Assessors do not act on your application by this deadline, it is deemed denied. You will be notified by the Assessors of any action or inaction taken on your application.
If you do not agree with the Assessors' action, you may file an appeal to the Appellate Tax Board. Please contact the Appellate Tax Board at 617-727-3100 for information regarding appeals.