Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 18

Personal Property is tangible property other than real estate such as machinery, livestock, furniture, pipelines, wires, poles, etc. Not limited to individuals, it includes property of partnerships, trusts, corporations, estates, etc. It is assessed tax separately from real estate, but is taxed at the same rate. The tax rate for Fiscal Year 2023 was set at $2.52 per thousand dollars of value. Personal Property is taxable in the municipality where it is situated on January 1st of that year. However, items not permanently situated such as construction equipment may be taxed in the town where the owner is an inhabitant on January 1st. For information on items that may be exempt from the personal property tax, please contact the Assessor's Office.

Each year by March 1st taxpayers with taxable personal property must submit a true list of all non-exempt personal estate. Businesses must file a State Tax Form 2 (PDF) (Form of List). People with 2nd homes must file a State Tax Form 2HF (PDF) (Form of List). These forms are available at the Assessor's Office as well. A notice regarding these requirements is posted outside the Assessor's Office at the beginning of each calendar year.

If a form is not filed with the Assessors by March 1st, the Assessors will have to estimate the value of your personal property. Abatement requests can not be considered without the filing by March 1st of the required form.

Personal Property Bills

Personal Property is valued by replacement cost new, less depreciation, based on age and condition. The same tax rate that applies to the real estate tax bills is applied to the personal property tax bills. Personal property bills are mailed and due on the same schedule as the real estate tax bills. Bills are mailed out twice a year, 2 quarterly bills at a time. The Fiscal Year 2023 will begin on July 1, 2022, and runs through June 30, 2023. Bills are due on a quarterly basis. The 1st quarter is due on August 2, 2022, the 2nd quarter is due on November 1, 2022.The 3rd quarter is due 2/1/2023 and 4th quarter is due 5/2/2023. Actual tax bills were mailed by December 31, 2022.
 

Application for Abatement

If you disagree with the value on your actual tax bill, you may complete and submit the required application and supporting documents. Application for Abatement State Tax (PDF) to the Assessors Office within a specific time period. This form is also available in the Assessors Office. The Actual tax bills will be mailed on December 31, 2022, starting the period in which Abatement Applications for Fiscal Year 2023 can be accepted. Abatement applications must be received in the Assessors Office no later than the close of business day on February 1, 2023, or bear a U.S. postal mark of February 1, 2023 or prior. Late applications can not be acted upon by the Board of Assessors. These deadlines can not be extended or waived by the Assessors for any reason.

For further information, please contact the Assessor's Office at 508-627-6140.