The main priority of the office is to provide fair and equitable valuations for the purpose of taxation. The Town currently values all real and personal property. Assessors have a responsibility for the motor vehicle excise tax bills originated by the State Registry of Motor Vehicles. The Registry updates the bills to reflect recent changes and then pass them on to the Town for distribution.
Assessors grant abatements and answer questions regarding excise tax bills.
The Assessors also do not determine property taxes. The level of taxation is determined by the municipality itself, through its Town Meeting process. By State Law, certain taxpayers are allowed exemptions from all or a portion of their property tax bills. These exemptions are allowed to those who are qualified under State Law, primarily from among the elderly, veterans, the blind, widows and widowers, and the minor children of deceased parents. In order to receive an exemption, you must apply at the Assessors Office.