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 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday to 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.
ASSESSING ONLINE
You can search FY2017 real estate assessments and taxes and FY2018 preliminary taxes online through our online Assessing tool.
Contact
Tax Data Administration (TDA)
617-635-3783
Personal Property
617-635-1165
Main office Number
617-635-4321
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.
We also have information about motor vehicle and boat excise payments.
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 2018, forms are due August 1, 2017.
- 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: