City Assessor's Office expands veterans' tax exemptions in new budget proposal

During the Quincy City Council meeting on May 12, 2025, significant discussions centered around the operations and budget of the Assessor's Department, highlighting its critical role in ensuring fair taxation for residents. The department manages approximately 27,000 parcels of real estate and personal property, along with 74,000 motor vehicle and excise tax bills.

The Assessor's Department emphasized its commitment to accuracy in tax assessments, which is essential for equitable taxation. To enhance this accuracy, the department is exploring innovative auditing methods, including property inspections, sales listings, aerial imagery, and annual data requests. Each year, the department undergoes a certification process with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to confirm that property assessments reflect full and fair cash values, as mandated by state law.

A key focus of the meeting was the budget proposal aimed at equipping the department to defend the city's certified assessed values and manage the abatement process effectively. This budget is crucial for reducing the city's liability in tax appeals and ensuring that assessments are upheld.

Additionally, the Assessor's Department oversees various property tax exemption programs designed to assist qualified constituents, including seniors, disabled veterans, and families of deceased first responders. Notably, the budget includes provisions for increased local option exemption levels for veterans, following the adoption of the HERO Act. This year, veterans will see a cost-of-living adjustment of 2.9% in their tax assistance, significantly benefiting those who received assistance in the previous year.

The department also introduced an online exemption application form, streamlining the process for residents to apply for tax relief. This enhancement reflects the department's ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and efficiency in serving the community.

In conclusion, the discussions during the Quincy City Council meeting underscored the Assessor's Department's vital role in maintaining fair taxation and supporting vulnerable populations through targeted exemption programs. The proposed budget aims to strengthen these efforts, ensuring that the city can effectively manage its tax assessments and provide necessary support to its residents.