08/27/2026
The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026, at the Town Hall, 499 Plymouth Street at 6 pm pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.) Chapter 40, Section 56 (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter40/Section5649) to determine the percentage of the local property tax levy to be borne by each class of real and personal property for fiscal year (FY) 2027.
At the hearing, the Board of Assessors will present information concerning property values and the distribution of tax levy among the statutory classes of property. The Board of Selectmen will then consider the available tax classification options and determine the allocation of the FY 2027 property tax levy in accordance with state law and related requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services.
The property classes considered as part of the classification process include:
- Residential
- Open Space
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Personal Property
The Board of Selectmen may consider the adoption of a single or a split tax rate structure, and where applicable and legally available, the following classification options:
- Residential Exemption: A tax reduction for owner-occupied homes; shifts taxes onto rentals, seasonal homes, second homes, and vacant properties.
- Open Space Discount: A tax reduction for land classified as open space; the discount is paid for by all other residential properties.
- Small Commercial Exemption: A 10% exemption for qualifying small businesses; cost is shifted within only the commercial class. The exemption benefit applies to the property owner, not the tenant.
The classification hearing is an important step in establishing the annual property tax rate. These decisions affect how the community's property tax levy is distributed among the various classes of taxable property. The classification hearing does not establish the total amount of the property tax levy; rather, it determines how the levy will be allocated among property classes within the limits established by Massachusetts General Laws.
For questions or additional information, please contact the Board of Assessors' Office by calling 781-293-1721 or e-mailing Caroline Vogt ([email protected]).
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