Berkshire, Massachusetts Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Berkshire, MA is 1.77%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Massachusetts state median of 1.23%. With the median home value in Berkshire, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $3,938, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Berkshire are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Berkshire's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Berkshire or another part of the county, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Berkshire, Massachusetts Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.23%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,460
Ownwell’s Berkshire Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Berkshire with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Berkshire to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Berkshire, Massachusetts
Property taxes in Berkshire, MA, are essential in funding crucial local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Berkshire is 1.77%, significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Berkshire set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Berkshire estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Berkshire's effective property tax rate to other counties in Massachusetts and the national median. For comparison, the 01224 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.77%, while the same zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 1.77%. Understanding how these cities compare with Berkshire provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Berkshire County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Berkshire Tax Rate
1.77%
Average Berkshire County Tax Rate
1.62%
Average Massachusetts Tax Rate
1.23%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Berkshire, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01224 | 1.77% | 1.77% | 1.77% | 1.77% | 1.77% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Berkshire, Massachusetts
Understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes in Berkshire, MA. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Berkshire County Appraisal District for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. In Berkshire, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Berkshire helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The highest and lowest median tax bills in Berkshire are both $3,938, found in the 01224 zip code.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Berkshire, Massachusetts
Source: Ownwell
$84,400
$502,600
$920,800
Average Berkshire Assessed Value
$222,850
Average Berkshire County Assessed Value
$256,200
Average Massachusetts Assessed Value
$492,600
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Berkshire, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01224 | $172,340 | $192,625 | $222,850 | $287,275 | $355,680 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Berkshire, Massachusetts
In Berkshire, MA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the local assessor's office, which evaluates the property's market value. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to calculate the annual property tax bill. For homeowners in Berkshire, the median home price is $222,850. Property tax bills can vary significantly; the 25th percentile tax bill is approximately $3,404, while the 75th percentile reaches around $5,076. At the 90th percentile, homeowners might see tax bills as high as $6,285. The highest and lowest median tax bill in the area is $3,938, found in the 01224 zip code. These property taxes fund essential local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Berkshire homeowners may experience higher property tax bills, impacting their overall cost of living and homeownership affordability.
Average Berkshire Tax Bill
$3,938
Average Berkshire County Tax Bill
$3,693
Average Massachusetts Tax Bill
$5,844
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Berkshire, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01224 | $3,045 | $3,404 | $3,938 | $5,076 | $6,285 |
Source: Ownwell