Dorchester, Massachusetts Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Dorchester, MA is 1.07%, which is significantly higher than the national median of 0.99% but lower than the Massachusetts state median of 1.23%. With a median home value of $641,100 in Dorchester, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $6,885, far exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Dorchester are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the market value due to various exemptions such as those for primary residences and agricultural properties. Understanding Dorchester'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 Dorchester 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
Dorchester, 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 Dorchester Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Dorchester with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Dorchester 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 Dorchester, Massachusetts
Property taxes in Dorchester, Massachusetts, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Dorchester is 1.07%, higher than both the Massachusetts state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Dorchester set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Dorchester 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 Dorchester's effective property tax rate to other areas in Suffolk County and the national median. For comparison, the 02124 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.07%, while the 02125 zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 1.07%. Understanding how these areas compare with Dorchester provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Suffolk County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Dorchester Tax Rate
1.07%
Average Suffolk County Tax Rate
1.07%
Average Massachusetts Tax Rate
1.23%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Dorchester, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02121 | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% |
| 02122 | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% |
| 02124 | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% |
| 02125 | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dorchester, Massachusetts
In Dorchester, Massachusetts, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. 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 Suffolk 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 Dorchester, 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. For instance, the highest median tax bill in Dorchester is $8,194 in the 02124 zip code, while the lowest median tax bill is $6,682 in the 02122 zip code. 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 Dorchester helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dorchester, Massachusetts
Source: Ownwell
$84,600
$1,690,350
$3,296,100
Average Dorchester Assessed Value
$641,100
Average Suffolk County Assessed Value
$641,300
Average Massachusetts Assessed Value
$492,600
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dorchester, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02121 | $360,960 | $488,900 | $636,300 | $757,400 | $872,740 |
| 02122 | $362,140 | $461,000 | $622,200 | $814,250 | $960,160 |
| 02124 | $544,940 | $656,000 | $762,900 | $828,050 | $878,520 |
| 02125 | $380,700 | $494,500 | $658,000 | $905,700 | $1,145,780 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Dorchester, Massachusetts
In Dorchester, Suffolk County, 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 and adjusts it accordingly. This assessed value is then multiplied by the tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. Several factors influence the assessed value, including the property's location, size, condition, and any improvements or renovations. Homeowners in Dorchester experience varying tax bills, with the 25th percentile paying around $5,167 and those in the 75th percentile facing bills up to $8,866. The highest median tax bill in the area is $8,194 in the 02124 zip code, while the lowest is $6,682 in the 02122 zip code. These tax bills can significantly impact homeowners, affecting their monthly budgets and overall financial planning. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Dorchester's rates reflect the area's higher property values and local fiscal policies.
Average Dorchester Tax Bill
$6,885
Average Suffolk County Tax Bill
$6,836
Average Massachusetts Tax Bill
$5,844
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Dorchester, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02121 | $3,877 | $5,251 | $6,834 | $8,134 | $9,373 |
| 02122 | $3,889 | $4,951 | $6,682 | $8,746 | $10,312 |
| 02124 | $5,853 | $7,046 | $8,194 | $8,894 | $9,435 |
| 02125 | $4,089 | $5,311 | $7,067 | $9,727 | $12,306 |
Source: Ownwell