State Approves
2012 Tax Rates
By Jeff d’Ambly
Chief Appraiser
12/8/11
The Department of Revenue has approved the 2012 tax rate for Milton.

Upon the recommendation of the Assessors, the Selectmen adopted a minimum residential factor, which splits the tax rate. The Department of Revenue has approved a residential rate of $14.35 and a commercial, industrial and personal property rate of $21.99. Last year’s rates were $14.07 and $21.56, respectively.

The average assessed value of a single-family property is $510,169, reflecting a tax bill of $7,320.93, an increase of $187 from fiscal year 2011.

Every year, the Assessors must analyze all sales and make adjustments to bring the median assessment ratio to between 90 and 110 percent of market value. The 2012 assessments are currently at 95 percent based on sales occurring in the 2010 calendar year.

The rates are based on a net levy of $63,530,336, an increase of $1,728,677. The total amount to be raised of $91,600,313 includes debt exclusions of $3,055,341, an increase to the levy of 2.5 percent ($1,467,357) and new construction growth of $351,694.

Taxpayers may file for abatement of the assessed value of their property. Requests for abatement must be received in the assessors’ office on or before the tax payment due date of Feb. 1. Applicants must provide information that shows the assessors based their calculations on incorrect information; the home is assessed at a higher value than the market value of the home at the time the assessment was made; or the property has been assessed at a higher rate than other similar properties. The assessors have 90 days to act on the application unless a request for an extension is provided.

In preparation for the mailing of the 2012 tax bills, applications for statutory exemptions have been mailed to all taxpayers who received them last year. Exemption applications for elderly, disabled veterans, widows and other categories must be received in the assessing office by April 1. Taxpayers who have received an exemption must deduct one half of the exemption from the tax due Feb. 1, and one half from the payment due May 1. It is important to note that taxpayers will receive only one mailing for the third and fourth quarter payments. Exemptions will not be shown on either bill.

Taxpayers who may qualify for exemptions include surviving spouses or minors of a deceased parent or certain elderly persons; veterans with war services connected disability of not less than 10 percent or to their spouse or surviving spouse; persons who are blind; and persons who are 70 or older.

Specific requirements in each category of eligibility - which may include duration of residency and home ownership, asset and income ceilings - are detailed on application forms available at the assessors’ office.

A tax deferral program is available for all taxpayers 65 or older whose gross income does not exceed $40,000. All or a portion of the tax obligation may be deferred in each year. The deferred amount becomes a lien, which must eventually be repaid. Utilizing this program, elderly homeowners may defer property taxes annually until the taxes due equal 50 percent of the assessed value of the property, including the interest (8 percent).

A personal hardship exemption provides assistance to taxpayers that in the judgment of the Assessors are unable to fulfill their tax obligations because of age, infirmity and financial condition. Supporting medical and financial documentation is required.

For a fuller explanation of exemption specifics contact the assessors’ office at (617) 898-4863. Information and forms are also available at www.townofmilton.org. Applications with information will be mailed on request.