FAQs • Natick, MA • CivicEngage

Why is my first real estate tax bill “preliminary” and what does that mean?: Your first and second quarter bills are always preliminary because we have not received certification of our values from the Department of Revenue. This year is a Department Of Revenue (DOR) recertification year so they will be doing a field audit and review of all assessed values which takes time. DOR is anticipated to certify its rates in late September. In addition the FY 2019 tax rate will be set by the Board of Selectmen in November. If you’d like more information on how the tax rate is set please click HERE. Once we’ve received the certified assessed values and the BOS have voted a tax rate, a final calculation of tax due will be completed. The third and fourth quarter tax bills will be adjusted and the preliminary amounts paid will be fully credited.

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Preliminary Tax FAQs

1. Why is my first real estate tax bill “preliminary” and what does that mean?: Your first and second quarter bills are always preliminary because we have not received certification of our values from the Department of Revenue. This year is a Department Of Revenue (DOR) recertification year so they will be doing a field audit and review of all assessed values which takes time. DOR is anticipated to certify its rates in late September. In addition the FY 2019 tax rate will be set by the Board of Selectmen in November. If you’d like more information on how the tax rate is set please click HERE. Once we’ve received the certified assessed values and the BOS have voted a tax rate, a final calculation of tax due will be completed. The third and fourth quarter tax bills will be adjusted and the preliminary amounts paid will be fully credited.

2. Why did my tax bill increase?: Some taxpayers are seeing larger amounts due. The market escalation indicates values changes are necessary and some taxpayers are seeing significant changes. These changes are based upon the current market conditions. Under the guidelines set by the Department of Revenue and Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 59; assessments must reflect “100% full and fair cash valuation.” Essentially, assessments need to be based on what similar properties are selling for in the current real estate market.

3. Does this bill include the debt exclusion for the new Kennedy Middle School?: No. This bill does not include the debt exclusion for the new Kennedy Middle School. However, this bill does include past debt exclusions for the Community Senior Center, High School, and Wilson Middle School.

4. When will the final tax bill be available?: The bills will be mailed at the end of December 2018. The processes outlined above have been concluded and new values established. Taxpayer’s will likely see changes in the amount due.

Yes! If you have any concerns about the accuracy of their tax bill you can:

Contact the Assessor's Office and a staff member will go through the bill and explain both the calculation and the assessment. We also encourage people to look at their last years bills which often reflect a reduction in January;
Residents can ask for a re-inspection of their property to confirm the assessed value. This may especially be helpful if the interior has not been inspected recently. Please call 508-647-6420 to make an appointment; and,
You can file for an abatement when you receive your 3^rd quarter bill in January.

6. An abatement sounds interesting what is it and how can I request one?: By law (M.G.L c.59 section 59) if you feel that your property is not worth what it has been assessed for, you may request a reduction in the value by completing and filing an Application of Abatement, available by clicking HERE, with the Assessor’s office. Your application must be filed after you’ve received your third quarter bill and before February 1^st. For more information please visit the Assessor’s webpage .

7. Does the Town have any other programs that can assist residents with their taxes?: Yes! The Assessor’s Office has a number of programs to aid eligible residents with their taxes. Please visit Assessor’s webpage or you can call 508-647-6420 or email at Assessors@natickma.org for more information.