ABATEMENTS
Each year, property owners around the Commonwealth are required to pay taxes assessed by the Board of Assessors. These taxes are based on the "full and fair cash value" of the property. All taxpayers have the right to file for an abatement to lower their taxes if they believe the property has not been fairly assessed.
DEADLINE
Applications for abatements are due on or before the due date for payment of the first actual tax bill (i.e. not the estimated bills). With our quarterly tax billing system this is usually 1 Feb. Information regarding applications and the exact deadlines to file for abatements is available at the:
Assessors' Office Maynard Municipal Bldg 195 Main St. Maynard, MA 01754 Tel: (978)-897-1004
APPEALS
The Board of Assessors must take action on your application within 90 days from the date you file the abatement (not 90 days from the payment due date). If no action is taken by the Assessors, then the request is deemed denied. If you are not satisfied with the action (or in the case of deemed denied - non action) taken by the Board of Assessors regarding your request for an abatement, you have the right to appeal to the State Appellate Tax Board (ATB). If you have any questions or would like an application to appeal, you may call or write to:
Appellate Tax Board 100 Cambridge Street Boston, MA 02204 (617) 727-3100
Note: We usually have applications in our office if you would like to stop by and pick one up. The Board of Assessors is very comfortable having people appeal. When all is said and done, the Assessors see their job as adjusting the values of taxpayers to the best balance and fairness to all. Having an indepentant third party reviewing our values from time to time helps us achieve that goal.
QUESTIONS ? Of course, if you have any questions or would like to request an application, please feel free to call our office between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm daily (978-897-1004).
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