Why do I get a Personal Property tax bill for my home and how is the value calculated?

Early in the writing of MA General Laws a personal property tax was created on a property owner's non real estate items such as farming tools and equipment, horses, cattle, furniture, appliances, etc. After many years the law was revised to exempt these items from taxation if the property was the "domicile" or primary residence of the owner.

Rather than requiring that Assessors value all the furniture, appliances, and furnishings in each city and town, the Department of Revenue requires that a study be conducted by the Assessing office every six years to determine the average value of the furniture, appliances and furnishings in homes, as a percentage of the building value. Our data indicated that on average the estimated market value of the personal property in Eastham is 1% of the building value for residential parcels and condominiums.

Show All Answers

1. What is the tax rate for fiscal year 2024?
2. What is the deadline for filing an application for abatement of my Fiscal Year 2024 assessed value?
3. How is the Fiscal Year 2024 assessed value for my property determined?
4. I usually receive a tax exemption. Is that amount already deducted from my tax bill?
5. How do I change my mailing address and where do I go to report it?
6. Where would I get a Subdivision Plan?
7. I have a question about the motor vehicle excise tax?
8. I have a question about the tax levy?
9. What does the January 1st "Assessment Date" mean?
10. What is the CPA tax that appears on my tax bill?
11. Why do I get a Personal Property tax bill for my home and how is the value calculated?
12. Can I view the assessing information about my property or other parcels in Eastham?