What are Property (Real Estate) Taxes?

The major source of revenue for the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts is the property tax. The property tax is an "ad valorem" (based on the value) tax. The tax is apportioned to individual properties based on the value of the property. In Massachusetts, estimates of the value are called assessments. The assessments of a large number of parcels for property tax purposes constitute a highly specialized field of appraisal. In Massachusetts, the property tax is assessed on real and personal property to the owner of record as of January 1.

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1. How much are the Real Estate/Personal Property Taxes for Fiscal Year 2022?
2. What period does the Fiscal Year 2022 Real Estate / Personal Property Tax bill cover?
3. When are the Real Estate/Personal Property Taxes due?
4. What are Property (Real Estate) Taxes?
5. What is Preliminary tax?
6. What is Actual Tax?
7. I don't think my tax bill is correct, what should I do?
8. I mailed my payment from the Post Office at midnight on the due date; why do I have to pay interest?
9. I did not receive a tax bill; do I have to pay a penalty and interest?
10. My Real Estate taxes are paid by my mortgage company, why am I getting the tax bill?
11. How does my mortgage company know how much to pay?
12. I am the new owner of the property, why is the prior owner's name still on the Real Estate bill?
13. I received a Personal Property tax bill but no longer own the business or closed the business; or I am no longer a second home owner; who should I contact?