Frequently Asked Questions
| What is an abatement? |
| An abatement is a reduction of property tax. It may be based on a reduction in the assessed value of taxable property, or a parcel may be exempted completely from the property tax based on ownership and use (a church, for example). A taxpayer must apply for abatement only for the current fiscal year and only if there is a dispute concerning the property valuation or the property classification. An application cannot be filed on taxes from previous years. |
| What are the requirements for an abatement of real property taxes? |
| A taxpayer may contest his or her tax liability on specific grounds: Overvaluation - the assessed value is considered too high Disproportionate Assessment -(pertains to entire property classes, not any individual unit or development) Improper Classification - for example, a property is classified as commercial when it is actually residential Statutory Exemption - the property qualifies for exemption from taxation based on its ownership use. |
| What information will be requested when I file an abatement application? |
| The Assessing Department is authorized by law to request information that is necessary to properly determine the fair cash value of the property. To preserve your right to appeal an abatement decision, you must complete and return an Information Requisition form. The failure to provide the information requested on the form within thirty (30) days of the date on which the application for abatement was filed, will result in a denial of the application and may bar an appeal to the Appellate Tax Board. |
| Where can I obtain more information about abatements? |
| For further information about applications and filing deadlines, see "Abatement Procedures." |
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