Real Estate Tax Abatements

Real Estate Tax Abatements


Think your home is overvalued? If so, consider filing an application for a real estate tax abatement. A real estate tax abatement reduces the tax you pay on the value of your home. To obtain the abatement form, contact your town's tax assessor's office. This is an important first step because each of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts may have different forms. Most towns have their own website with instructions on how to complete the form.

Applications for abatements must be submitted by the due date of the first actual tax bill of the year. In communities that have quarterly tax bills, the application is due with the 3rd quarter tax bill, usually on February 1st. To meet the deadline, the application must be in the tax assessor's office by close of business day, or postmarked no later than the due date.

To determine if a bill is an actual tax bill or an estimated bill, the taxpayer should look on their bill for a property assessment value and a designated tax-rate. The application must be completed and filed by the current owner or their agent. Under certain circumstances other parties with an interest in the property may file the abatement. You should contact your assessor's office for any special rules that may apply.

Filing an abatement does not guarantee that your tax bill will be reduced. However, you won't know unless you ask. Remember the deadline is February 1, 2010. You can obtain additional information by clicking on the following link:

MA state website.

If you have any questions, please see our contact information below or visit our website: Cohen & Oalican.

Cohen & Oalican, LLP.
18 Tremont Street, Suite 903
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone 617-263-1035 x310
Fax 617-263-1038
scohen@cohenoalican.com