MA Property Taxes: Tax Bills to Rise 4 Percent

By Joe Lipovich and Charlene Arsenault (Patch staff)

NEWTON, MA—Rents and property values are not the only living expenses spiking in the Commonwealth, property taxes are on the rise as well.

The Boston Globe reported Sunday that property taxes in the Commonwealth will see a 4 percent spike this year. According to its analysis of 328 of the state’s 351 communities, The Globe found that the average property tax bill has increased from an average of $5,232 in 2015 to an average of $5,438 in 2016.

Only 16 of the 328 reported municipalities will see property tax decreases in 2016. 46 of the 328 communities can expect increases of an average of 6 percent or more this year.

The increases have risen in accordance with rising home values. The averaged assessed value of a single-family home saw an increase of approximately 3.8 percent, according to the Globe’s report.

Property tax bills in Newton will see an increase of $637 in 2016. The average tax bill for a single-family home is scheduled to increase from $10,091 to $10,728, a spike of 6.31 percent.

While the increase may seem steep, Newton’s spike pales in comparison to surrounding communities such as Weston, which is looking at a $703 average property tax increase.

In terms of sheer dollars, Brookline homeowners will see the biggest jump at $825, a 5.93 percent increase, according to the Globe’s data. While the dollars aren’t as much, Chelsea homeowners will absorb the highest percentage increase at 16.89 percent, an average cost of $421.

Property tax increases vary across the state. Click here to see the status of your community.