Abatement Process
If You Disagree with Your Assessment, File for an Abatement
There is no perfect assessment process, and from time to time errors of fact or judgment will occur. That is why the state provides for hearings and an abatement process. The process allows taxpayers to present arguments, supported by sales data, that their assessments are too high or that they have been disproportionately assessed.
Abatements are granted only for the current fiscal year, so you must file an abatement request for each fiscal year that you disagree with your assessment. If an abatement request is granted in order to correct an error on the property record card, you will not need to reapply for an abatement the following year.
Filing for an Abatement
Abatement applications must be filed with the assessors on or before February 1, 2024. You should file an official application for abatement form (also available at the Assessors’ Office) if you think your property has been incorrectly assessed. Applications are not considered received until the Assessors Office has them in hand.
Note: If you want a hearing, be sure to ask for one on the official abatement form. You will have to add this request since it is not on the form. The Assessors’ Office will contact you with a proposed hearing date. After the Board has reviewed your request for abatement, they will send you their official written decision. If you are dissatisfied with the Board’s decision, you may appeal to the state’s Appellate Tax Board (617 727-3100) or click here.