THE ASSESSED VALUE OF MY PROPERTY

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Property Assessments

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What if I Disagree with the Assessed Value of My Property?

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If your opinion of the value of your property differs from the assessed value, by all means go to the Assessors’ office and collect pertinent data to support your opinion. The Board of Assessors will be glad to answer your questions about the reassessment procedures. When questioning the assessed value, ask yourself these questions:
 

• Is my data correct?

• Is my value in line with others on the street?

• Is my value in line with recent sale prices in my neighborhood?
   

Keep in mind what’s important: recent sale prices, condition, neighborhood, building area and lot area are the most critical factors in the valuation process. There is a variety of information available to help you determine whether your assessment is fair and equitable. The Assessors will be happy to assist you.

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If, after discussing the matter with the Assessors and researching the assessments of comparable properties within your area, a difference of opinion still exists, you may appeal your assessment to the Board of Assessors by filing an abatement application.

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Middlefield is on quarterly tax bills: the first two bills are preliminary tax payments based on your prior year’s taxes. The notice of third payment, referred to as the “actual tax bill” is when the filing period for abatement applications commences. The third tax bill (actual bill) is usually issued the end of December. The application must be filed with the Board of Assessors no later than February 1. The information regarding filing an abatement or exemption application is also on your tax bill. The application must be on file in the Assessors’ office and not just postmarked on that date. You are appealing your assessment, not your taxes. You must pay your taxes pending your appeal. If your application is not timely filed, the assessors cannot by law grant an abatement or exemption.

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The Assessors have three months to take action on your abatement application. If it is approved, you will receive a certificate indicating the amount of the abatement. If your tax bill has a balance to be paid, the abatement will credited to your next payment. If your tax bill is paid in full, you will be sent a refund check. If your application is denied, you will receive a notice of denial. You may call and set up an appointment to meet with the Board of Assessors to discuss the reason for the denial. Or you may appeal to the State Appellate Tax Board (ATB) within three months of the date of the Assessors decision. They are located at 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, Ma. 02108 (617-727-3100).

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The assessment date is June 30, as it affects your ownership status. The property is legally assessed to the owner as of January 1, but make sure you get a bill! You may be entitled to file an application for abatement if you dispute your value. Or, as the owner of property July 1, you may be entitled to file an application for one of the statutory exemptions that are available.

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What Types of Exemptions Does Middlefield Offer

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A variety of exemptions is available to reduce the property tax obligations for certain qualifying taxpayers: Elderly Persons, Blind Persons, Disabled Veterans, Surviving Spouses, or Orphaned Minor Child, Surviving Spouse or Orphaned Minor of a Police Officer or Fire Fighter killed in the line of duty. Also available is a Tax Deferral for persons 70 years of age or over. Contact the Assessors Office if you have any questions on the requirements for these exemptions and to find out if you qualify. Or, you may call the Department of Revenue at 617-626-2300.

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The qualifying date for these exemptions is July 1, the first day of the fiscal year. You must own, occupy and otherwise qualify for the exemption as of July 1. Applications must be filed within three months from the mailing of the actual tax bill. It is advised that the taxpayer file as early as possible.

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How Can I Appeal?

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If you are not satisfied with the action taken by the Board of Assessors regarding your request for abatement or exemption, you have the right to appeal to the State Appellate Tax Board, 100 Cambridge Street, Ste. 200, Boston, MA 02114. If you have any questions or would like to request an application for appeal, you may also call the Appellate Tax Board at 617-727-3100, or visit their website at www.mass.gov/atb.

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