Filing for an abatement

REAL ESTATE ABATEMENTS

When to File:

Abatement applications can only be filed once a year between the mailing of the third quarter tax bills and the due date of the bill, February 1. Applications cannot be accepted prior to mailing of third quarter tax bills. The abatement application must be received by the Assessors’ Office no later than closing time on the due date, February 1. Applications that are mailed must contain a US Post Office postmark on or before the February 1 date. The Assessors are barred by Massachusetts statute from making any exceptions to the rule.

Filing an abatement application does not put your tax payment on hold. All tax payments must be made without incurring interest.

The Application:

Please contact The Assessors' Office for the abatement application. Requests for applications will be honored by either telephone call, in writing or available online (click here).Property Record cards are available at Town Hall or online from the Town’s website.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide with the request an opinion of market value with supporting data. The burden of proof for an abatement is on the taxpayer. Please carefully consider when applying whether you have a valid case, “My taxes are too high” or “I couldn’t sell my house for that” are not acceptable reasons for granting the abatement.The normal justifications for granting an abatement are Data Error (square footage, house style, number of bathrooms, etc), Overvaluation and an Inequitable Assessment. Any disparities should be noted on your application. Any sale that you use must be an arms length transaction (not between relatives, divisions of the same corporation or a distressed sale). Applications that are filled out without support will be given little or no consideration and could often be denied.

Abatement Process:

The Assessors will act upon applications within three months.All applicants will be notified in writing of the Board of Assessors’ decision.

In the course of acting on the application, the Assessors’ Office will contact you for additional information or to set up an appointment to visit the property. Failure to provide the information or allow an inspection will cause your application to be denied and will bar any appeal.

If you wish to appeal the decision of the Board of Assessors, you have the right to appeal to the Appellate Tax Board (click here for their website).

Please contact the Assessor’s Office at (978) 456-4100 x315 if you have any questions.