Frequently Asked Questions

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Please make check payable to the Town of Chatham. To request a certified abutter's list please complete the form Certified Abutter's List Form and email akelley@chatham-ma.gov or fax 508-945-3550. 

Property must be Assessed to the record owner as of January 1st, transfers completed after January 1st will be mailed now to the new owner.

View Assessing Page

There are two types of personal property, secondary homeowners and business owners. Personal property is assessed and taxed by the Town where the property or business is situated on the January 1st assessment date as well as to the record owner of the property as of January 1.

Personal Property being taxed is generally those items not permanently affixed to real estate. Personal property is movable and can be removed without serious damage either to the real estate or to the item being removed. The categories of taxable personal property are:

 The most common type of personal property is 

• business furniture, fixtures, and equipment.

• Household furnishings, in property other than the principal residence typically a vacation or summer home or rental property.
• Farm Animals
• Furniture, fixtures, and equipment owned by utility companies.

Items one, two, and three are assessed by the local Board of Assessors. Item four is assessed by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and committed for collection by the local Board of Assessors.

The assessment date for Personal Property is as if the property were there as of January 1st of each year.  If you close your business during the course of the year you are still responsible for that tax bill. Also, please contact the Town Clerk's Office at the Town Hall to file for a statement of discontinuance.

Each year taxpayers are required to return a Form of List (State Tax Form 2) to the Assessors. The Form of List details taxable personal property and is required by the Massachusetts statute. Failure to complete this form could result in a loss of your right to appeal your valuation to the Appellate Tax Board.

Individuals are entitled to an exemption for household furniture and effects at their place of domicile. The tax is assessed upon non-real estate, tangible assets, such as; furniture & fixtures, machinery & equipment, goods and materials, and other chattels not part of real estate. Proof of residency: voter registration, driver's license, census, IRS Forms, etc.

Department of Revenue FAQ

Assessments are based on "Fair Market Value" using the comparative sales approach of sales as of January 1st, of each year.

The deadline for filing a real estate or personal property application for abatement is the same as the payment due date for the 1st half actual real estate/personal property tax bill. The Board of Assessors does not have jurisdiction to act on an application if the application if filed past the deadline. Motor Vehicle or Boat Excise you have 3 years from the due date on the bill or 1 year after payment. Please contact your leasing company if your vehicle was leased. Applications can found below.

Real Estate/PP Application Form 

Motor Vehicle Application Form 

Boat Application Form 

View Abatement Information Page

Taxes support the School system, Public Safety, Police and Fire, Beaches, DPW, and General Government.