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How to file for a real estate tax abatement

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An abatement is a reduction in your property taxes. You can submit an application by mail and in person.

Step
1

Before you get started by mail

To file an abatement, you need to meet these requirements:

  • You can only submit an application after your third-quarter tax bill and no later than February 1.
  • You can only file an abatement for the current fiscal year. You can’t file an application for previous years.

The Assessing department has three months to review your application and respond.

Step
2

Complete your application

We make applications available through Assessing Online after we issue third-quarter tax bills.

When you search for your property through Assessing Online, click the "details" link. That will pull up information on your property, as well as an option to download an Abatement application:

Search Assessing Online

You can also contact the Assessing Department at 617-635-4321. We will send you an Abatement application, along with an Information Requisition Form.

NOTE ON INFORMATION REQUISITION FORMS
  • If you don’t give us the information we ask for in the form within 30 days of filing your abatement application, we will deny your application.
  • If you don’t fill out the form, you may also lose your right to appeal to the Appellate Tax Board.
  • If you are filing an abatement application because you think you may qualify for a statutory exemption, you must submit a completed Statutory Exemption Information Requisition Form.
Step
3

Mail us your application

Complete the Abatement application and Information Requisition Form and send both to:

Assessing Department, Room 301
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Step
1

Before you get started in person

To file an abatement, you need to meet these requirements:

  • You can only submit an application after your third-quarter tax bill and no later than February 1.
  • You can only file an abatement for the current fiscal year. You can’t file an application for previous years. 

The Assessing department has three months to review your application and respond.

Step
2

Go to Boston City Hall

You can fill out and complete an Abatement application and an Information Requisition Form at Boston City Hall.

NOTE ON INFORMATION REQUISITION FORMS
  • If you don’t give us the information we ask for in the form within 30 days of filing your abatement application, we will deny your application.
  • If you don’t fill out the form, you may also lose your right to appeal to the Appellate Tax Board.
  • If you are filing an abatement application because you think you may qualify for a statutory exemption, you must submit a completed Statutory Exemption Information Requisition Form.

Visit the Assessing Department in Room 301 or the Taxpayer Referral and Assistance Center on the Mezzanine level:

Assessing Department, Room 301
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
icon-time
Office hours
Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Keep in mind

APPELLATE TAX BOARD APPEALS

You have three months from the date of the Assessing Department decision to appeal to the tax board. You can get an appeal form at the tax board’s office:

100 Cambridge Street, 2nd Floor Suite 200

Boston, MA 02114

Phone: 617-727-3100

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