Easton, MA

What should I do if I feel my property is overvalued?  

How do I apply for a Motor Vehicle Abatement?

Who is the key Motor Vehicle Abatement contact person?

How do I apply for an exemption on Real Estate?

How accurate are the assessors maps compared to surveyor's maps?

How do I know if the Property Records card in the assessor's office is correct?

I bought my house in 2004 but still receive my bill under the former owner's name. Can I have this corrected?

What makes my Real Estate taxes increase?

How does the Community Preservation Act affect my taxes?

What is a supplemental tax?

What should I do if I feel my property is overvalued?
If you believe your property to be overvalued you may appeal to the Board of Assessors. The only time you can file for "Overvaluation" on Real Estate and Personal Property is on the "Third Actual Bill'. This bill is mailed the end of December due for February 1st. The abatement application must be filed in our office by February 1st of the current year. If the application is not filed in the office of the Board of Assessors by February 1st, the assessors have no jurisdiction to act on the application. (Go back to top.)

How do I apply for a Motor Vehicle Abatement?
If your plates were turned into the Registry of Motor Vehicles our office needs a "Plate Cancellation Receipt" If your registration plates were transferred to another vehicle the office will need a copy of your  new registration. If you have moved out of state we will need a copy of your registration for the state you reside in now. (Go back to top.)

Who is the key Motor Vehicle Abatement contact person?
The Motor Vehicle person to contact is Ann Williams. Telephone number 508-230-0520, Fax number 508-230-0529. (Go back to top.)

How do I apply for an exemption on Real Estate?
Exemption applications are also available through this office. Disabled Veterans with a V.A. disability rating, Elderly, Blind Persons with a certificate from the Massachusetts Commission For The Blind, and Surviving Spouses may be eligible for tax relief. There are asset and income qualifications to be met. Veterans need a letter of eligibility from the "Veterans Administration Office". (at least a 10% disability rating) (Go back to top.)

How accurate are the assessors maps compared to surveyor's maps?
The maps in the assessors' office are only for valuation of property. The maps cannot be used as certified surveys. (Go back to top.)

How do I know if the Property Records card in the assessor's office is correct?
Taxpayers should come into the assessors office and check their property record card to verify the information on the card. If there is a discrepancy the assessors office will schedule an appointment to review the property. (Go back to top.)

I bought my house in 2004 but still receive my bill under the former owner's name. Can I have this corrected?
Because the assessment date for this Fiscal Year 2005 tax bill was January 1, 2004, the previous owner's name appears as the owner of record. Your name will appear on the bill as of July 1, 2004 when FY 2003 -First Quarter bill is mailed. Even though the tax is assessed in the name of the previous owner, the new owner is responsible for all taxes on the property once the sale has been concluded. Pay the bill even though the former owner's name appears on it. You may contact the tax collector's office at 230-0610 and request a duplicate tax bill if you do not receive one. Bills are due August 1, November 1, February 1 and May 1. property. (Go back to top.)

What makes my Real Estate taxes increase?
When town meeting votes to appropriate more money on the tax levy than it did the previous year, the taxes will increase. Prop 2 1/2 limits how much the taxes are allowed to increase, therefore, there will be no substantial increase unless the town votes for an override. An override would have to be approved by a majority of voters at a local election. (Go back to top.)

How does the Community Preservation Act affect my taxes?
The Town of Easton adopted the Community Preservation Act at the annual town election in April 2001. This law allows the Town to place a surcharge of 3 per cent of real estate taxes on tax bills beginning in fiscal year 2002. The law requires that an application be filed every year since financial circumstances or the number of household members may change from one year to the next. The surcharge will pay for affordable housing, historic resources and acquisition of conservation land. The Town also adopted two exemptions to the law and the income figures for FiscalYear 2005 (that will begin July 1, 2004) are as follows:

1. All residential parcels have the first $100,000 in assessed value exemptedbefore the 3% surcharge is applied. This exemption is done automatically.

2. Households with an owner 60 years of age that qualify as moderate or low income families according to the local housing authority and HUD determinations are totally exempt. The allowable income after HUD deductions is $45,900 for a single person household with an owner over 60.

And $52,500 for a two-person household with an owner over 60, households with an owner under 60 that qualify as low income according to HUD determinations are totally exempt. The allowable income for a single person household with the owner under 60 is $40,250 and $46,000 for a two-person household. Income for a four-person household is $57,500.

Taxpayers must apply for exemption number 2.

The Assessors Office has the HUD figures for households with one to eight members.

To apply for the total exemption it is necessary to fill out a form available in the Assessors Office. Copies of calendar year 2003 income tax filings for all household members must be included with the application. For more information contact the Assessors Office at 508-230-0520. (Go back to top.)

What is a supplemental tax?
A supplemental tax is an amount assessed on new construction if it increases in value more than 50% during the current fiscal year. The tax is prorated from the date of the certificate of occupancy thru June 30th. (Go back to top.)

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