Property / Tax Appeals
Contest property tax assessments, real estate valuations, and assessment errors across all US states. Save money with a professional property tax appeal letter.
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What is a property tax appeal?
A property tax appeal is a formal challenge to the assessed value of your property as determined by your local tax assessor. If your property is overassessed, you may be paying more in property taxes than you legally owe.
How to appeal your property tax assessment
Property tax appeal deadlines are strict and vary by state — typically between 30 and 90 days from when you receive your assessment notice. In many states, the deadline is May 15 or within 30 days of the assessment notice. Missing this deadline usually means waiting until next year.
Grounds for a property tax appeal
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1
The assessed value is higher than your property’s actual market value
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2
Errors in property description (wrong size, number of bedrooms, lot size)
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3
Comparable properties in your area are assessed at lower values
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4
Recent damage or deterioration not reflected in the assessment
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5
Incorrect exemptions not applied (senior, veteran, homestead)
Property / Tax Appeals in Massachusetts
Disputing a property tax assessment in Massachusetts can feel overwhelming, but property owners have clear rights to appeal if they believe their valuation is unfair. Whether you’re contesting an overvaluation, seeking an exemption, or challenging a classification, understanding the appeal process is crucial. Massachusetts law provides avenues for taxpayers to ensure their property taxes are accurate and equitable within the Commonwealth.
Property tax appeals in Massachusetts are primarily governed by Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 59, which outlines the assessment and abatement process for local taxes. The initial appeal is made to your municipality’s Board of Assessors. If dissatisfied with their decision, you can further appeal to the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board (ATB). For instance, MGL c.59 § 5O provides for municipal property tax exemptions for certain residential properties. Taxpayers must file an abatement request with the local board of assessors, typically using State Form 128, within a specific timeframe, usually by February 1st of the fiscal year or 30 days after the actual tax bill is mailed, whichever is later.
To appeal your property tax assessment in Massachusetts, you will first interact with your local Board of Assessors. Their contact information can usually be found on your city or town’s official website. If your appeal is denied at the local level, you can then file a petition with the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board (ATB). The ATB’s website (mass.gov/filing-an-appeal-with-the-appellate-tax-board) provides forms and instructions for filing an appeal. While there isn’t a direct federal agency for local property tax appeals, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) oversees local assessment practices and can offer general guidance.
The process for appealing property taxes in Massachusetts typically involves four steps: filing an abatement application with your local assessors, receiving their decision, and if necessary, filing an appeal with the Appellate Tax Board within three months of the assessors’ denial. Most appeals are resolved within 90 to 180 days, depending on the complexity and the caseload of the ATB. Gathering evidence such as comparable sales, appraisals, and property condition reports is essential. Use the petition generator above to create a property tax appeal letter in under two minutes.