Assessor's Office

Mission Statement

The Assessors Office is committed to delivering fair, accurate, and transparent property valuations that reflect current market conditions. We provide reliable information, responsive public service, and responsible management of the community’s tax base. Through integrity, professionalism, and accountability, we ensure an equitable distribution of the tax burden while supporting residents, businesses, and municipal services.

Role of the Department

The Assessors’ Office does not decide how much taxes you pay, and it does not create tax laws. In Massachusetts, tax laws are made by the state legislature, and rules are guided by the Department of Revenue. Assessors follow these laws and guidelines to do their job.    The main role of the Assessors is to determine the fair market value of each property. This value is based on what buyers are willing to pay and sellers are willing to accept in the real estate market. In other words, property values are driven by the market—not by the Assessors.

The total amount of taxes a community collects is based on the budget needed to fund local services like schools, public safety, and roads. That budget is approved at the local level, and a tax rate is set to raise the needed funds. The Assessors do not control this amount—they simply ensure that property values are accurate so that taxes are distributed fairly. Their goal is to make sure each property owner pays their fair share of the overall tax burden.