Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Assessing - Exemptions & Abatements
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An exemption is a discharge from the obligation to pay all or part of a real estate tax based on certain age, income, military, or disability status as set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. An abatement happens as a result of an adjustment that lowers a property’s valuation after the actual (not preliminary) tax bill has been issued. Exemptions are available for:Assessing - Exemptions & Abatements
- Blind Persons
- Low Income Seniors
- Seniors
- Surviving Spouse or Surviving Minor Child
- Veterans With Disabilities -
There is also a tax deferral program available for older citizens. A personal exemption from the Community Preservation Surcharge is offered for low/moderate income households. Senior citizens can participate in the “senior tax work off” program. In addition, there are some funds in Concord that can provide relief to qualified property owners, and the state Circuit Breaker Tax Credit for seniors.Assessing - Exemptions & Abatements
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Property tax exemptions are available to qualifying taxpayers according to the eligibility requirements determined by state law. Exemption information is not displayed on the property record card. Information on exemptions is available through the Assessors’ office by either calling 978-318-3070 or visitingAssessing - Exemptions & Abatements
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Assessing - Exemptions & Abatements
This is when an owner would file for an abatement. There are 3 basic reasons for granting an abatement: data error(s), overvaluation, or inequitable assessment. An abatement application is not a complaint about taxes or how much your assessment has increased. It is an attempt to prove that your property’s estimated market value is inaccurate or unfair based on recent sales of comparable properties.
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Assessing - Exemptions & Abatements
Not necessarily. If a data correction or adjustment has been made that should be permanent, it will carry forward to the next and following years until such time as there is a change in the property and/or a change in the valuation methodology that affects that property. Therefore, it would not be necessary to reapply the following year(s). If, however, a 1-time adjustment were granted just for the current year, the assumption is that the adjustment does not carry forward into the next year. If the property owner then feels that the valuation is overstated in the following year, he/she must submit a new application.
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Assessing - Exemptions & Abatements
A property owner may submit an appeal to the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board (ATB):
Appellate Tax Board
100 Cambridge Street #200
Boston, MA 02114