Board of Assessors

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The Town of Oak Bluffs Board of Assessors has completed the Fiscal Year 2023 Revaluation as required by Massachusetts General Law Ch. 40, Sec. 56 to achieve full and fair cash value. The Assessors have final Certification of values from the Mass. Dept. Of Revenue. The assessed values reflect the estimated market value of properties as of January 1, 2022. Values are based on sales in calendar years 2020 and 2021.

The approved assessed values are available at Oak Bluffs FY2023.

FY2023 tax rates:

Residential - $5.28

Commercial, Industrial, Personal - $5.21

Personal Property Update -

***UPDATE - 6/15/2023 - The Collector of taxes has mailed refund checks to those individuals who overpaid their FY2023 Personal Property taxes. If you received a refund check it is due to the changes made during the FY2023 revaluation that was approved by the State in December of 2022. See below for an explanation of what changes were made in during that process.***

Many personal property accounts will receive 3rd and 4th quarter bills showing no balance due.

This is due to a reduction in the percentage used to value second home personal property in the Town of Oak Bluffs. The reduction in value resulted in many accounts being paid in full after the first and second quarter payments were applied.

This valuation reduction was a result of the State mandated second home personal property study, which was conducted for the FY23 revaluation.

If you have questions regarding your refund or the tax amount you paid please contact the Collectors office at 508-693-3554 x-108

Responsibilities

The Board of Assessors is responsible for the full and fair valuation of all Oak Bluffs real and personal property for the purpose of the equitable distribution of the property tax burden. The assessors regularly collect and analyze data pertaining to recent real estate transactions, current costs of land acquisitions and building construction, commercial market rents, vacancies, and expenses, and land use issues to assist them in determination of market value.

Property Assessments

Massachusetts General Laws dictate that property be assessed at full and fair valuation as of January 1st preceding the beginning of the fiscal year (July - June). Every 5 years the Department of Revenue performs a procedural audit of the assessors work to certify that the Town is meeting its statutory requirement of full and fair value. This next audit will take place in fiscal year 2023. By law, every parcel in town should be inspected every 10 years.

Excise Taxes

Assessors have the responsibility for the Motor Vehicle Excise tax commitments that originate at the State Registry of Motor Vehicles. The Registry updates bills to reflect recent change and then pass the bills on to the Town for distribution. Assessors grant abatements and answer questions regarding excise valuation. In addition, with information furnished by the Department of Environmental Police, the Assessor's office originates boat excise commitment for people who have boats.

Exemptions and Abatement

Massachusetts General Laws allow certain taxpayers exemptions from all or a portion of their property tax bills. These exemptions are allowed to those who qualified under State Law, primarily from among the elderly, disabled veterans, the blind, widows and widowers, and minor children of deceased parents. In order to receive an exemption, you must apply at the Assessors Office.