Boston, Massachusetts Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Boston, MA is 0.59%, considerably lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the Massachusetts state median of 1.23%. With the median home value in Boston at $782,900, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $4,588, significantly exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Boston 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 Boston'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 Boston or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Boston, 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 Boston Property Tax Bill Calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, real estate investors, or potential buyers looking to estimate their annual property taxes in Boston. By simply entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Boston to provide an estimate of your property tax bill. This valuable resource helps you understand potential tax liabilities and plan accordingly. For those interested in more detailed trends on a neighborhood level, additional localized information is available. Your property’s assessed value is determined by Middlesex County for tax calculations, taking into account any applicable exemptions.
Property Tax Rates Across Boston, Massachusetts
Property taxes in Boston, Massachusetts, are vital in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Boston is 0.59%, lower than both the Massachusetts state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Boston set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Boston 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 Boston's effective property tax rate to other areas in Massachusetts and the national median. For comparison, the 02116 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.03%, while the 02110 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 0.59%. Understanding how these cities compare with Boston provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Middlesex County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Boston Tax Rate
0.59%
Average Middlesex County Tax Rate
1.22%
Average Massachusetts Tax Rate
1.23%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Boston, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02109 | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% |
| 02110 | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% |
| 02115 | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% |
| 02116 | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.03% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Boston, Massachusetts
Understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes in Boston. 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 local 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 Boston, 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. For example, the highest median tax bill in Boston is $9,798 in the 02116 zip code, while the lowest is $2,139 in the 02109 zip code. Being aware of these valuation processes helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Boston, Massachusetts
Source: Ownwell
$105,700
$984,600
$1,863,500
Average Boston Assessed Value
$782,900
Average Middlesex County Assessed Value
$633,600
Average Massachusetts Assessed Value
$492,600
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Boston, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02109 | $365,000 | $365,000 | $365,000 | $365,000 | $365,000 |
| 02110 | $1,613,800 | $1,613,800 | $1,613,800 | $1,613,800 | $1,613,800 |
| 02115 | $507,600 | $625,375 | $775,650 | $869,925 | $1,027,130 |
| 02116 | $947,600 | $947,600 | $947,600 | $947,600 | $947,600 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Boston, Massachusetts
In Boston, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local assessor's office. This assessed value is then multiplied by the city's property tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. Several factors influence the assessed value, including the home's size, location, and condition, as well as recent sales of comparable properties in the area. For example, the median home price in Boston is $782,900, which can result in varying tax bills. Homeowners at the 25th percentile can expect to pay around $3,664, while those at the 75th percentile might see bills closer to $5,324. At the 90th percentile, tax bills can reach up to $6,185. The highest median tax bill in the city is $9,798 in the 02116 zip code, while the lowest is $2,139 in the 02109 zip code. These variations significantly impact homeowners, making property taxes a crucial factor in the overall cost of homeownership in Boston.
Average Boston Tax Bill
$4,588
Average Middlesex County Tax Bill
$7,427
Average Massachusetts Tax Bill
$5,844
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Boston, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02109 | $2,139 | $2,139 | $2,139 | $2,139 | $2,139 |
| 02110 | $9,457 | $9,457 | $9,457 | $9,457 | $9,457 |
| 02115 | $2,975 | $3,664 | $4,546 | $5,098 | $6,019 |
| 02116 | $9,798 | $9,798 | $9,798 | $9,798 | $9,798 |
Source: Ownwell