Whether you recently purchased your first home or you are a longtime homeowner whose tax bill has recently gone up, you may be wondering what your options are for lowering your tax bill, and whether you qualify for a property tax abatement, exemption, or deferral.

Property tax exemptions and deferrals

For information on tax exemptions and deferrals that are available to qualified senior citizens, veterans, families of veterans, legally blind homeowners, and relatives of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty (among other categories of eligible homeowners), visit the assessors’ office at town hall or visit the assessors’ page on the town’s website, www.town.hull.ma.us.

The deadline for submitting applications for exemptions is April 1.

Property tax abatements

If you’re considering applying for a property tax abatement because you believe your assessment is incorrect, you must file by February 1. A video produced by the Massachusetts Division of Local Services explains the reasons you can challenge your property’s assessment and the process for filing for an abatement: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKEyfHj82fU

Contact the assessing office

Staff can answer questions about your assessment, provide paperwork, and assist with any special circumstances. The assessor’s office may also provide information that could assist with reducing your tax bill, such as information on deferrals and exemptions, as well as the senior citizens’ work-off abatement.

Do your research

Compare your property with other similar properties in Hull; valuations are available at town hall or online at https://hull.patriotproperties.com. Look for any potential errors in assessing your home’s value. If you believe your home has been overvalued or disproportionately assessed, an abatement may be a good option.

Apply on time

If you plan to mail your abatement application to the assessor's office, have it postmarked by February 1 and addressed directly to the assessor's office, or deliver it in person.

Submit the correct documents

You can find abatement applications at the assessors’ office or online. The application must be filed and signed by the assessed owner, the current owner, or the owner’s agent. Under certain circumstances, other parties with an interest in the property may file an abatement.

Pay on time

If the town denies an abatement application, you may choose to appeal that decision. However, make sure to pay your bill on time – even if you plan to appeal. If you are filing your application along with your tax payment, pay the full amount you were billed.

Filing an abatement application does not stop the collection of your taxes, and you may lose your right to appeal if you do not pay on time. Late payments may also result in additional charges. If your abatement is approved and you have already paid the tax bill for the entire year, you will receive a refund.

If your tax bill is more than $5,000, and you wish to appeal to the state Appellate Tax Board, your property tax payment must be in the tax collector’s office by the bill’s due date. A postmark by the due date isn’t sufficient for an on-time payment – your payment must be in the tax collector’s hands by the due date.

Visit www.town.hull.ma.us or call 781-925-2205.

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