Abatement

Explanation of Abatement: Reduction in Value

An abatement is a reduction of the assessed value; the result is an adjustment to the tax assessed on your property for the fiscal year. You may apply for an abatement if you believe your property is: overvalued, disproportionately assessed, classified incorrectly or is partially or fully exempt.

If a taxpayer does not agree with the assessed valuation of their property, the first step would be to talk to an Assessor and review their property record card. After speaking with an Assessor, if the taxpayer still disagrees with the assessment, an abatement application must be completed and timely filed.

Information on the abatement procedure is provided on the back of the abatement application. It is important to note that the assessed value shown on the tax bill is based upon an assessment date of the previous January 1; not the date when the tax bill is received.

The Assessors are prevented by law from granting an abatement unless timely filed. The application must be post marked by the United States Postal Service or received in the Assessors’ Office by the due date of your January 1 (3rd Quarter) tax bill (typically February 1).

The Assessors have three months, from the date the abatement application is filed, to take action. You will receive written notification of the decision.