Board of Assessors — about

In Massachusetts, Assessors are either appointed or elected to three-year terms. The Assessors' primary responsibility is to value all real estate and personal property subject to taxation. Assessed valuations are based on "full and fair cash value" of as of the January 1st preceding each fiscal year. Ex. For Fiscal Year 2021, the assessment date is January 1, 2020, and market sales utilized for valuation purposes are from calendar year 2019.

The rest of what the town says about it (575 more words)

In order to maintain assessment at or near market value, the Assessors regularly compare property valuations with the selling prices of properties that have sold. Assessment-to-sale ration statistics are analyzed to determine the median assessment level, as well as assessment uniformity. No valuation methodology can accurately predict what a property will sell for.

Under the umbrella of Massachusetts state and local town laws, Lunenburg’s Assessing organization will work with the town operations and our citizens to meet our vision for delivering a fair and equitable taxation for our citizens. The Lunenburg Board of Assessors will evolve and administer a service of “Best Practices” methodologies consistent with our Vision. These practices will ensure equitable treatment and compassion for all our citizens.

The Board of Assessors has empowered an Assessor organization that has the capability to evaluate and assess all property at its full and fair market value. This is accomplished through a rigorous measurement of property, collection of appropriate data, analysis and maintenance of all property tax data records. Additionally, the Assessor department administers a motor vehicle excise tax, real estate and motor vehicle tax abatements, and all statutory tax exemptions as allowed by law. The Assessor Organization will work cohesively with other town departments.

The Fiscal Year 2026 tax rate is $14.39 per thousand.

Vision Statement

To provide Lunenburg with fiscal stability; by promptly, fairly and equitably determining the valuation of all real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of Lunenburg; and execute the Assessor functions as described by Mass General Laws, the Mass Department of Revenue and the Citizens of Lunenburg.

This will be accomplished through a rigorous measurement of property, collection appropriate data, analysis and maintenance of all property tax data records. Additionally, the Assessor department will also administer a motor vehicle excise tax, real, tax abatements, and all statutory tax exemptions as allowed by law. The Assessor Organization will work cohesively with other town departments.

The Lunenburg Board of Assessors will actively reach out to the citizens of Lunenburg, to assure all members of the community are aware of all taxation practices and exemptions available. The assessors will assist with clarification these practices & exemptions, as well as guide citizens in their usage of these exemptions.

Mission Statement

Under the umbrella of Massachusetts state and local town laws; Lunenburg's Assessor organization will work with the town operations and our citizens to meet our vision for delivering a fair and equitable taxation for our citizens

The Lunenburg Board of Assessors will evolve and administer a series of “Best Practices” methodologies consistent our Vision. These practices will assure equitable treatment and compassion for all our citizens.

Board of Directors will empower an Assessor organization that will have the capability to evaluate and assess all property at its full and fair market value, for the purpose of fair and equitable taxation.

This will be accomplished through a rigorous measurement of property, collection appropriate data, analysis and maintenance of all property tax data records. Additionally, the Assessor department will also administer a motor vehicle excise tax, real, tax abatements, and all statutory tax exemptions as allowed by law. The Assessor Organization will work cohesively with other town departments.

The Lunenburg BOA activities are defined within our Town Charter.

As members of the Lunenburg Board of Assessors, (Both elected and appointed), we are in fact employees of the Town of Lunenburg, and subject to all Mass Conflict of Interest Laws and regulations: G.L c 268A.