FAQ on REVALUATION

Property Assessment Data: http://charlton.patriotproperties.com

Property Assessment Data - Search Instructions:

To view our assessment data you may search using the Patriot Properties link. You may search by street name and parcel id.

Using Street Name:
DO NOT use any abbreviations or periods. ex:13 N. Sturbridge Rd., search as N Sturbridge and then scroll down to find the appropriate house number.

Using Parcel I.D: (example. Map 12-Block B-Lot 31 should be typed as 12-B-31)
Parcel I.D. is the Assessors Map, Block and Lot No.
Map number is located in the bottom right corner of each map.
Maps can be rotated using the rotate view icon - far left, light and dark blue page images-shown just above the maps.

Block is the large letter in a large square box on the maps...There is a different block depending on which side of the street the parcel is on. Ex: A, B, C, D, etc. in a square.

Lot Number is the larger number located on each parcel usually above the acreage calculation.

Using Owner Name: Due to Privacy laws, you may search only by Property Address or Assessors parcel I.D. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Assessors Maps:
Note: Maps can be rotated, enlarged and printed within Acrobat for better viewing.

Map Indexes: 1 of 4, 2 of 4, 3 of 4, 4 of 4

DISCLAIMER: This information is available to the public although a third party may possess this information, it should be not be used for any other purposes, the intended user is the Assessors Office.

Forms:

Assessors Abatement Package * (Hints, Appraisal Info and Real Estate Abatement application) *You MUST also choose one of the applicable accompanying forms: One to Three Family Dwelling Condominium Vacant land Please complete it in full and submit with abatement application to Assessors office.

Other Forms:
Chapter Land Classification Form (State Tax Form CL-1): This 4 page form explains that Chapter 61A property owners need to get their annual forms in for renewal.
Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement Application (State Tax Form 126-MVE)
Motor Boat, Snowmobile, ATV/Status Change Form (Fax to Registration and Title Office, Worcester, MA)
Return of Personal Property - Form of List (State Tax Form 2)
Return of Property Held for Charitable Purposes (State Tax Form 3ABC)
Request for Certified Abutters List
Declaration of Homestead
Declaration of Homestead For the Elderly Persons
Declaration of Homestead For Disabled Persons
Address Change Request

Permitting Guidebook

Note: Please ensure that all necessary documentation and/or filing fees are included with the applications and/or forms.

General Information:

Types of Exemptions (Reductions from Real Estate Taxes)
Offered in the Town of Charlton:

A variety of exemptions are available to reduce property tax obligations for certain qualifying taxpayers: elderly persons, blind persons, disabled veteran, surviving spouse or orphaned minor child, in-law apartment exemptions and extreme hardship cases.

The qualifying date is July 1, the first day of the fiscal year. The deadline for filing is March 15th. If you have the slightest suspicion you may be eligible or have any questions, call the Assessor's office to discuss details. There is also a Tax Deferral Program available, which enables owners to defer payment of up to 100% annual property taxes. See below for more information.

Because of the number and complexity of exemptions, the following table is intended only to give you a general idea of what is available. NOTE: Certain exemption applications will require a copy of the tax forms filed in the last calendar year, or a statement indicating that the applicant(s) does not file tax forms. The number of owners of the property also falls into the review of qualification, which may mean non-eligibility of the exemption, a pro-rated exemption, or a full exemption.

Also, in certain conditions, if two or more persons, whether or not related or married, own a single parcel and each qualifies for a different exemption, each would be entitled to receive the exemption for which he or she qualifies.

An additional qualification for most exemptions is the ownership and occupancy of the property.

Exemption Forms:

If you received an exemption in previous years, the exemptions forms are mailed out to you in July or they may be obtained from the Assessors' Office.

Tax Deferral Program:

Many retired homeowners feel "house-rich and income poor". Property taxes constitute a serious financial burden, which can even force the sale of the home. Charlton offers a Tax Deferral Program which enables owners to defer payment of up to 100% or annual property taxes. Deferred taxes accumulate, with simple interest at 8% as a lien on the property until it is sold or the owner(s) has deceased. Applicants must be 65 on July 1, with a maximum income of $40,000. If you are interested, please contact the Assessor's Office. Under this property tax deferral program you may also be eligible to defer your water/sewer user fees as well, please inquire for more information.

ATTENTION OWNERS OF PROPERTY IN TRUST!

Trust ownership arrangements may affect qualification for a statutory exemption. As a general rule, an applicant must be a trustee and a beneficiary and submit:
1. A copy of a recorded trusts instrument, including amendments;
2. A copy of the schedule of beneficiaries.
Consult your attorney if these requirements affect you!

Permitting Guidebook - Board of Assessors Page

1. How can my taxes increase?

When the residents vote for additional expense items, an individual's property tax bill will increase due to the increase on the tax rate. Also, when the market values increase, naturally, so does the assessed valuation. If you were to make improvements to your existing property, for instance, add a garage, or an additional room, the "full and fair cash value" will increase and, therefore, the assessed value would also increase. The Assessor has not created the value. People make the value by their transactions in the marketplace. The Assessor simply has the legal and moral responsibility to study those transactions and appraise your property accordingly.

2. What if I disagree with the assessment value of my property?

If your opinion of the value of your property differs from the assessment value, by all means go to the Assessors office and discuss the matter. The staff will be glad to answer your questions about the reassessment procedures. When questioning the assessment value ask yourself three questions:
Is my data correct?
Is my value in line with others on the street?
Is my value in line with recent sale prices in my neighborhood?

There is a variety of information available to help you to determine whether your assessment is fair and equitable. The staff will be happy to assist you, and no appointment is necessary.

If after discussing the matter with the staff, and researching the assessment of comparable property within your area, and a difference of opinion still exists, you may appeal your assessment to the Board of Assessors by filing a timely abatement application.

THE APPEAL WINDOW IS ONLY UNTIL FEB 1ST. After the actual tax bill (3rd quarter bill) is sent to the taxpayer. This is usually mailed on or around Dec. 15th of each year, then the deadline for filing an application for abatement is February 1st.

REMEMBER:
*You are appealing your assessment NOT your taxes.
*You must pay your taxes pending your appeal.
*Once the application is stamped with the date and time as RECEIVED by the Assessors Office and the envelope post marked on or before the deadline filing date of Feb. 1, it cannot be added to or changed or withdrawn, it is accepted as is. The Board of Assessors has 3 months in which to act on your abatement application.

1. Why am I still getting an excise tax bill when I no longer have that car?

You must always either transfer or cancel your plates when you no longer have a vehicle. As long as your plate is active you will receive an excise tax bill.

REMEMBER: It is important that the bill for a vehicle you no longer own should NOT BE IGNORED. Interest and fees may accumulate and result in non-renewal of license and/or registration.

2. When am I entitled to an excise tax abatement?

You are entitled to an abatement on your excise tax when you either cancel your plates or transfer your plates to a new vehicle. The Assessors Office requires that you present either a cancel plate receipt or a copy of the new registration as proof for an abatement to be granted. If the plate is lost, you must file for a lost plate receipt (Form C19).

REMEMBER: Excise bills are prorated by the month, thus the owner is responsible for the excise tax accrued through the month to which the car was last registered to him/her.

3. Who is entitled to an excise tax exemption?

Chapter 60A, Section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws provide excise tax exemptions for vehicles owned by certain disabled individuals and veterans, ex-prisoners of war and their surviving spouses and certain charitable organizations. Please contact our office for further details on eligibility.

WHY YOU HAVE RECEIVED A BLUE POST CARD NOTICE FROM THE ASSESSORS OFFICE?

WHAT IS A CYCLICAL REINSPECTION?

The Department of Revenue and Massachusetts General Laws require the Board of Assessors to maintain a reinspection program of the properties within the community. The program consists of an inspection of all properties in Charlton every 10 years, i.e. Cyclical Reinspection.

WHY ARE WE DOING A CYCLICAL REINSPECTION?

The Board of Assessors is responsible to maintain a full and fair market value of all properties in Charlton. This can only be accomplished if the data we have is accurate. The collection and maintenance of current and accurate property inventory data is a critical element in determining uniform, fair market value.

HOW ARE WE DOING A CYCLICAL REINSPECTION?

An inspection will be completed of all properties in the town unless the property has been visited within the last four years. The data collector is currently an assistant assessor in another community and will carry a letter from this office.

WHAT IS THE END RESULT OF A CYCLICAL REINSPECTION?

The final goal is to have a uniform, fair market value of all properties in Charlton. In other words, a fair assessment of your property.