What if I think my taxes are too high?
The fact that you have a high tax bill is not, in itself, a valid reason for appeal.

The first thing you should do is come into the office or go online and review the information regarding your property to determine if it is cataloged correctly. Equity in assessment can be checked by reviewing other properties in your vicinity to see if they are being assessed using the same standards. The land around you should be assessed as yours is, and if not, there should be a rational explanation as to why it isn’t.

For example, if you have a cape-style home in a subdivision where all lots are somewhat the same size, the assessments are generally similar. What might make them different is the size and quality of the home, or the proximity to a view, for example. You can review sales that have occurred in your area. Another way to analyze the situation would be through an appraisal done for the purpose of disputing a tax assessment.

Show All Answers

1. What is the difference between assessment year, fiscal year and commitment date?
2. I purchased my property in June of this year, why is the former owner's name still listed on the tax bill?
3. I sold my property in May of this year, why is my name still on the tax bill?
4. I sold my trailer over 8 months ago, the bill is still in my name. What do I do about the taxes?
5. How is the tax rate established?
6. I pulled my trailer out of the campground at the end of the summer, why am I getting a tax bill for July of this year through June of next year?
7. What is market value?
8. What constitutes an arms-length transaction?
9. Is my assessed value what you think my house is actually worth?
10. My property has been on the market for a long time with no offers. Should my value be reduced?
11. Can the town assess me for more than market value or have a ratio of more than 100%?
12. I purchased my house for $275,000 and you have it assessed at $325,000. Will you reduce my assessment? If I had paid more, would you have increased the assessment?
13. Why did my mortgage appraisal come in less than my assessment? Is my tax valuation too high?
14. If the Assessor asks to view the interior of my home, do I have to allow them entry?
15. What causes an assessment to change?
16. When will you do another revaluation?
17. What if I think my taxes are too high?
18. What are my rights and options as a taxpayer?