FAQs • Ashland, MA • CivicEngage

I recently purchased a house in Ashland but the tax bill still has the previous owner’s name on it. When will this change?: Massachusetts General Laws state that the tax bills must retain the owner of record (previous owner) as of January 1 each year. Depending on the date of the purchase, this should change for the first quarter tax bill July 1.

▼
Assessor

1. What are your office hours?: The Assessors Office is open 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday; closed to the public Friday.

2. How often do you re-assess properties in Town?: The Assessors Office re-assesses all properties in Town on a yearly basis as mandated by the Department of Revenue. The benefit of this is that the assessments remain relatively close to the real estate market.

3. I recently purchased a house in Ashland but the tax bill still has the previous owner’s name on it. When will this change?: Massachusetts General Laws state that the tax bills must retain the owner of record (previous owner) as of January 1 each year. Depending on the date of the purchase, this should change for the first quarter tax bill July 1.

4. If I’m not satisfied with my assessment what recourse do I have?: The Massachusetts General Laws state that a taxpayer has the right to appeal an assessment once the third quarter bills are issued, which deadline to appeal is usually February 1.

5. Where can I find more information on the various tax exemptions?: The Assessors Office has all the information on the various tax exemptions; i.e. veterans exemption, blind exemption, elderly exemption, etc. You can either stop by the Assessors Office or check the Town’s website.

6. Where can I get a plot plan of my land?: Either the Assessors Office or the Building/Planning Departments may have a plot plan on record. If not, you might have to go to the Registry of Deeds.

7. I have moved out of state or no longer own my vehicle but keep getting an excise tax bill. What do I need to do?: You need to file for an abatement with our office by either downloading the Motor Vehicle Excise application for abatement from the website or picking up an application at the Assessors Office. Include a copy of your new registration (if applicable); a copy of the plate return receipt for Mass. plates (if applicable); and proof that you sold your car (if applicable). Fax it to 508-231-1503.

8. Are the town maps online?: Yes. Town maps can be located in the GIS Maps.

9. Are property record cards listed online?: Yes. Visit the parcel search.
Parcel Search.

10. Do you have applications for Abutters Lists online?: Yes, please download the Abutters Request Application (PDF)