Assessing
Our mission is to accurately assess property and provide prompt and courteous help to the public. We determine the value of property in Boston for the purpose of taxation.
In the coming weeks, assessors from our department will be performing inspections at properties across the City from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. This is part of our annual Maintenance Project. Representatives will carry a photo ID badge by which you can verify their status as an Assessing Department employee. They will also drive a City of Boston vehicle. If you have any questions or concerns about an inspection, please contact the Assessing Department at 617-635-4321.
7-year Property Recollection Project
In the coming weeks, assessors will be performing inspections at properties across the City that have not been inspected or sold in the last seven years. These inspections may take place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Representatives will carry a City of Boston photo ID and drive a City vehicle. Have questions or concerns? Please contact us at 617-635-4321.
ASSESSING ONLINE
You can search FY2018 real estate assessments and taxes and FY2019 preliminary taxes online through our online Assessing tool.
Contact
Tax Data Administration (TDA): 617-635-3783
Personal Property: 617-635-1165
Main Number: 617-635-4321
Pay or view your bills online
Property data via Analyze Boston
Generate a Property Abutter Mailing List
FY 2019 1st and 2nd Quarter Taxpayer Information
Make a request for a property record card
How to file for a personal exemption
Tax deferrals for seniors
Tax deferrals for long-term homeowners
Residential property sales for calendar year 2016
In November 2016, Boston voters approved the Community Preservation Act (CPA) by voting “yes” on Ballot Question 5. By adopting the act, the City has created a Community Preservation Fund.
The City finances the fund in part by a 1% property tax-based surcharge on residential and business property tax bills. You may see the surcharge on your property tax bills beginning with the Fiscal Year 2018 first-quarter tax bill in July 2017.
Find out more information about property taxes. We also have information about motor vehicle and boat excise payments.
The City has tax incentive programs to advance its economic development and housing goals. These programs include Chapter 121A, Chapter 121B, Tax Increment Financing, and Special Tax Assessment.
We created a page to give you more information about these programs. You can also download active tax agreements with the City.
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.
- Charities and religious groups that are seeking an exemption from property taxes before the start of the fiscal year can file a Preliminary Consideration Information Requisition Form.
- For Fiscal Year 2019, forms are due August 1, 2018.
- We have information on how to file for preliminary consideration.
- We also have more information on statutory exemptions.
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:
