Assessing
We accurately determine the value of property in Boston for the purpose of taxation. Examples of property are cars, boats, and buildings.
Our mission is to accurately assess property and provide prompt and courteous help to the public. We collect all property tax data and maintain records of property ownership in Boston. We also are in charge of tax billing for motor vehicle excise and boat excise taxes.
Every year, our assessors update the City’s records to capture new construction, damage, and changes in ownership of property in Boston. We maintain official maps, records of assessment and ownership, abatements, and related property description data for Boston.
Assessing online
You can search FY 2016 Real Estate Assessments and Taxes and FY 2017 Preliminary Taxes online through our online Assessing tool.
Contact
Taxpayer Referral and Assistance Center (TRAC)
617-635-4287
Tax Data Administration (TDA)
617-635-3783
Personal Property
617-635-1165
Taxpayer Referral and Assistance Center
"TRAC" offers a "one-stop" service at City Hall for Boston taxpayers on tax-related matters.
Tax information
We also have information about motor vehicle and boat excise payments.
Abatements and exemptions
Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) Program
Many of Boston’s major schools, hospitals, and cultural institutions make a voluntary contribution to the City each year in the form of cash and community programs that uniquely benefit the City’s residents.
More resources
Each report presents in text, charts, and tables an overview of property taxes in the City of Boston. Through comparative and historical data, a taxpayer can compare Fiscal Year assessments and tax rates with those in earlier years and with those in other jurisdictions: