Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How is property value determined?
  2. Why did my assessment increase, I made no improvements?
  3. What improvements increase property value?
  4. What if my assessment changes?
  5. Do my taxes increase if my assessment increases?
  6. How can I disagree with my assessment?
  7. How do I get an abatement?
  8. Do I have to pay my taxes while an abatement is pending?
  9. Can my assessment decrease?
  10. What do Assessors do?
  11. What DON’T Assessors do?
  12. Why do we assess property?
  13. Do assessors set the property tax rates?
  14. What is a revaluation?
  15. Why is a revaluation necessary?
  16. Do all assessments change at the same time?
  17. How is the tax rate determined?
  18. Can an outside authority reduce my assessment?
  19. Are there tax reductions for seniors, widows/ers, veterans or limited income households?
  20. My taxes went up more than 2 ½ percent, why did that happen?
  21. Do Assessors need to visit my property or inspect my home?
  22. What is Classification?
  23. How is an assessment done at a duplex/condo/carriage house/accessory dwelling/townhouse/renting a room but living in the rest?
  24. Why might my assessment be incorrect?
  25. Can assessed values be adjusted for long-time residents?
  26. Do I have to apply for an abatement every year?
  27. Should I apply for an abatement every year?
  28. How can I lower my taxes through Senior Work-Off activities?
  29. A house sold for a very high amount, will my assessed value increase?
  30. Why might a single-family home be assessed higher than a duplex?
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