Show All Answers

1. I sold my car after I paid the excise for the full year. What do I do?

Come into the office with the plate return receipt from the Registry of Motor Vehicles and tell us where the vehicle went (traded, sold, junked, etc). If the plates were transferred, bring in a copy of the new registration.

2. Why did my house value go up?

Your house value went up to reflect market value. Values are adjusted each year to reflect recent sales that have taken place in your neighborhood.

3. I'm 70 years old. Is there any break on my taxes?

Yes, there are exemptions for elderly people over 70 years of age if they qualify financially. There is an income limit and an estate limit. It is $650 off the tax bill per year.

4. I don't think the value of my property is right. What can I do?

You can file for an abatement when the actual tax bill goes out. That bill is received January 1, and the abatement needs to be filed between January 1 and January 31. The assessors will review the property.

They will either abate the value for an error in listing, adjust the grade, correct the area, etc. or they may deny the request for the abatement if they find that the original value was correct. If the taxpayer still disagrees, they can take their case to the Appellate Tax Board and present their case before a commissioner and that Board will make a decision on the value.

5. How do you determine the value of my property?

The value is determined by the sales of similar property in your neighborhood. Five sales of homes of similar size, neighborhood, style, grade, land area, and other characteristics are used to arrive at the value of your home.

6. How do I file for an abatement?

Abatement forms must be filed in January. You can come into our office at City Hall or download the form from our website.