Statement and Responsibilities
The mission of the Marblehead Assessor’s Office is to provide the Town with fiscal stability by ensuring that all personal and real property is promptly, fairly, and equitably valued and classified in accordance with Massachusetts law. The Assessors determine the fair market value of all property for the purpose of taxation.
A Message from the Board of Assessors
As always, the Board of Assessors reminds all taxpayers that the Board does not make the laws that affect property owners. The Massachusetts Legislature enacts tax laws, and the Department of Revenue issues guidelines and regulations to implement those laws. The Board of Assessors is required to follow these procedures when establishing property values.
Property value is determined by the real estate market by buyers and sellers through the sales of comparable properties. The Assessors do not set tax rates tax rates are established by the municipality itself through Town Meeting. Similarly, the Assessors do not decide who is entitled to property tax relief exemptions are granted strictly in accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws.
Responsibilities of the Board of Assessors
- Valuing and taxing all real estate, motor vehicles, and boats.
- Preparing the annual tax recapitulation (recap), which compiles tax and financial data for the purpose of setting the annual tax rate.
- Processing applications for abatements from taxpayers who believe their property has been overvalued.
- Administering statutory exemption programs for eligible taxpayers, including the elderly, blind, widows/widowers, veterans, and surviving spouses or children of police officers and firefighters.
Services Available
- Real Estate Record Cards: Accessible online through the “Online Property Data” portal on our homepage.
- Reports: Property assessments and related reports are available for reference online.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Senior citizens may participate in the Senior Work-off Program, assisting with clerical tasks such as filing, phone coverage, and light office work. For more information, please contact the Marblehead Council on Aging at (781) 631-6225.
Property Tax Relief
The Town of Marblehead offers property tax exemptions for qualifying residents, including seniors, veterans, blind individuals, and surviving spouses or minor children of deceased police officers or firefighters. These programs are administered in accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws.
Mission Statement
The Marblehead Assessor’s Office is charged with the fair administration of all laws and regulations regarding property tax assessment. The Office appraises approximately 8,400 parcels of property, including residential, commercial, industrial, utility, and personal property.
All assessments are based on “full and fair cash value” (100% of fair market value) as of January 1 of each year. Values are submitted annually to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for approval, and every five years, the Town undergoes a state recertification audit.
To meet these requirements, the Assessors conduct property revaluations annually and maintain accurate records through field inspections, deed and ownership processing, tax map updates, and oversight of excise taxes on motor vehicles and boats. The Office also manages property tax abatements, personal exemptions, and responds to real estate inquiries from the public.