Washington, Massachusetts Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Washington, MA is 1.52%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Massachusetts state median of 1.23%. With the median home value in Washington, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $4,256, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Washington 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 Washington'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 Washington 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
Washington, 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 WASHINGTON Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in WASHINGTON with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in WASHINGTON 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 Washington, Massachusetts
Property taxes in Washington, Massachusetts, play a crucial role in funding essential local services, including public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Washington is 1.52%, which is significantly higher than both the Massachusetts state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities in Washington set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Washington 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 Washington's effective property tax rate to other areas in Massachusetts and the national median. For comparison, the zip code 01223 has the highest median property tax rate of 1.52%, while the same zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 1.52%. Understanding how these areas compare with Washington 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 Washington Tax Rate
1.52%
Average Berkshire County Tax Rate
1.62%
Average Massachusetts Tax Rate
1.23%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Washington, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01223 | 1.52% | 1.52% | 1.52% | 1.52% | 1.52% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Washington, Massachusetts
Understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes in Washington, 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. Assessment notices in Washington 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 median home price in Washington is $283,300, with tax bills ranging from $3,172 at the 25th percentile to $6,916 at the 90th percentile. The highest and lowest median tax bill in the area is $4,256, both found in zip code 01223. Understanding these valuation concepts helps property owners better navigate their tax responsibilities and identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Washington, Massachusetts
Source: Ownwell
$84,400
$502,600
$920,800
Average Washington Assessed Value
$283,300
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 Washington, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01223 | $159,690 | $209,375 | $283,300 | $362,950 | $454,710 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Washington, Massachusetts
In Washington, MA, located in Berkshire County, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a property and the local tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the local assessor’s office and reflects the property's market value. This value is then multiplied by the tax rate to calculate the annual tax bill. Several factors influence the assessed value, including the property's size, location, and condition. For instance, the median home price in Washington is $283,300, which significantly impacts tax calculations. Homeowners in the 25th percentile of tax bills pay around $3,172, while those in the 75th percentile face bills up to $5,506. The 90th percentile sees even higher tax bills, reaching as much as $6,916. Comparatively, the national median property tax rate is 0.99%, making Washington’s tax bills notably higher. This can place a financial strain on homeowners, especially those with properties assessed at higher values, influencing their overall cost of living and financial planning.
Average Washington Tax Bill
$4,256
Average Berkshire County Tax Bill
$3,693
Average Massachusetts Tax Bill
$5,844
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Washington, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01223 | $2,426 | $3,172 | $4,256 | $5,506 | $6,916 |
Source: Ownwell