Access property information through the Massachusetts assessors office

It's important that you research a property's history before making an investment. You need to know how many times there were changes in ownership, any construction done on the property, and changes in Massachusetts land values over the years. Be sure to compare the assessed value of other properties in the area as well.

I recommend: Go to the Massachusetts assessors office website for the county which your property of interest is in and do a search on the property's history. Massachusetts towns such as Amherst Town or the Town of Brookline provide free online records databases. For a list of contact information and websites for other Massachusetts town assessors, visit Assessor Links USA.

Know your rights under Massachusetts property assessment regulations

Knowledge of the laws and regulations that go into property assessment in Massachusetts will help you to understand the calculation of the property tax you pay each year and where that money goes. Additionally, there are a number of tax exemptions that can lower your property tax dues, providing you meet the eligibility requirements.

I recommend: Read the Massachusetts Property Tax Relief article on Associated Content's website to determine if you qualify for any tax exemptions. The Citizen Information Service website also provides information on property tax exemptions, deferrals, credits and tax breaks.

Check the accuracy of your MA property assessment

There is a possibility that local Massachusetts property assessors offices can calculate an inaccurate property value. If you have concern that the assessed value of your property is inaccurate, hire an appraiser to provide a second opinion. If there is a discrepancy, the appraisal provides proof of a more accurate Massachusetts property value, and you can file an appeal with your local property assessors offices in Massachusetts.

I recommend: Visit AppraiserUSA.com for a list of appraisers in Massachusetts, searching by county or city. Go to the website for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Appellant Tax Board for forms and information regarding the process to appeal your property tax assessment.