Appealing Your Property Tax Assessment in Massachusetts
Deadlines and steps to appeal a property tax assessment in Massachusetts, and when property taxes are due.
Short answer: An appeal starts with an abatement application to the local board of assessors on the approved form, filed on or before the due date of the first installment of the actual tax bill (generally February 1 in communities that bill quarterly, or 30 days after the actual bill is mailed in… Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board, Real Estate Tax Appeals: A Helpful Guide for Taxpayers and Assessors; G.L. c. 59, §§ 59, 63, 64
| Appealing your assessment | An appeal starts with an abatement application to the local board of assessors on the approved form, filed on or before the due date of the first installment of the actual tax bill (generally February 1 in communities that bill quarterly, or 30 days after the actual bill is mailed in communities that bill twice a year). Taxes must be paid on time to keep the right to appeal. Assessors have three months to act; after that, the taxpayer may appeal to the Appellate Tax Board. |
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| When property taxes are due | In cities and towns that bill quarterly, property tax bills are generally due August 1, November 1, February 1 and May 1. In communities that bill twice a year, bills are generally due 30 days after the tax bill is mailed. The due date is printed on the bill. |
More Massachusetts property tax & homestead exemptions
- The Homestead Exemption in Massachusetts
- Senior, Veteran and Disability Property Tax Relief in Massachusetts
- All Massachusetts property tax & homestead exemptions rules
FAQ
How do you appeal a property tax assessment in Massachusetts?
An appeal starts with an abatement application to the local board of assessors on the approved form, filed on or before the due date of the first installment of the actual tax bill (generally February 1 in communities that bill quarterly, or 30 days after the actual bill is mailed in communities that bill twice a year). Taxes must be paid on time to keep the right to appeal. Assessors have three months to act; after that, the taxpayer may appeal to the Appellate Tax Board.
When are property taxes due in Massachusetts?
In cities and towns that bill quarterly, property tax bills are generally due August 1, November 1, February 1 and May 1. In communities that bill twice a year, bills are generally due 30 days after the tax bill is mailed. The due date is printed on the bill.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.