Assessing
COVID-19 update: Our department has reduced staff. In-person meetings are for critical needs and by appointment only. Please use our online application to schedule an appointment.
Note: For questions regarding your residential and personal exemption matters, please call 617-635-4287 or email TRACFAXSG@boston.gov.
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.
You can search FY 2021 Real Estate Assessments and Taxes online through our online Assessing tool:
Contact
Room 301
- Tax Data Administration: 617-635-3783
- Personal Property: 617-635-1165
- Main Number: 617-635-4321
FY 2021 updates
FY 2021 updatesThe City has a number of tax relief programs for those homeowners who occupy the property as their principal residence. This year, the residential exemption will save taxpayers up to $3,153.02 on their tax bill. Personal exemptions may provide additional tax relief to those qualifying homeowners who are:
- elderly
- surviving spouses or minor children of deceased parents, and
- veterans or certain members of the National Guard.
The tax deferral program for seniors is also available to qualifying senior homeowners whose rising expenses have made it difficult to continue owning their home.
The online applications for the residential exemption and most personal exemptions are available online starting January 1, 2021. Just click on the Assessing Online link below. Follow the instructions on Assessing Online to obtain the residential exemption and personal exemption applications for your property.
The Fiscal Year 2021 filing deadline for the residential exemption, personal exemption, and tax deferral is April 1, 2021.
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.
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.
Property owners can file an abatement application if they believe their property is:
- overvalued
- disproportionately assessed
- improperly classified, or
- eligible for a statutory exemption.
Applications may be filed after the third-quarter bills are issued in late December 2020. The Fiscal Year 2021 abatement application filing deadline is February 1, 2021.
Abatement applications are available online starting January 1, 2021, through Assessing Online. Follow the instructions on Assessing Online to obtain the online abatement application for your property. We have information online on how to get an abatement application either in-person or by mail.
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Community Preservation Act (CPA) Surcharge
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.
Tax information
Property taxes are a major source of revenue for cities and towns in Mass.
Learn more about the annual taxes, which are also known as excise payments.
You can change the address where you receive your property taxes.
Help for those 65 or older and who can’t pay their property taxes.
Help for homeowners who are 55 or older and meet certain qualifications.
“Tangible” — or physical — property that you can move easily is personal.
Businesses often need to file a State Tax Form 2/Form of List each year.
Learn about combining different lots into one property tax bill.
What to keep in mind about your tax bill during a condo conversion.
Owners and lessees of income-generating properties file these returns.
See a listing of single-family sales in Boston.
See a listing of two-family sales in Boston.
See a listing of three-family sales in Boston.
See a listing of condo sales in Boston.
View a map of sales in the City of Boston in 2019.
Taxpayer Referral and Assistance Center
"TRAC" offers a "one-stop" service at City Hall for Boston taxpayers on tax-related matters.
Tax agreements
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.
Abatements and exemptions
Abatements and exemptionsPayment 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
ResourcesYou must complete this form if you are filing an application for abatement on the basis of statutory exemption.
- We have information on how to file for a real estate tax abatement.
- 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:
