Dorchester, Massachusetts Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Dorchester, 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 Dorchester at $879,800, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $5,156, which exceeds the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Dorchester 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 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 assists homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers in estimating 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 provide an estimate of your property tax bill. This valuable tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. For those interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, more localized information is available by scrolling down. Your property’s assessed value is determined by the county for property tax calculations, taking into account any applicable exemptions.
Property Tax Rates Across Dorchester, Massachusetts
Property taxes in Dorchester, Massachusetts, are crucial for funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Dorchester is 0.59%, lower 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 Massachusetts and the national median. For comparison, the 02122 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 0.59%, while the same zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 0.59%. Understanding how these rates 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
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 Dorchester, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02122 | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% |
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 local assessment authorities 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 median home price in Dorchester is $879,800, with tax bills ranging from $4,747 at the 25th percentile to $5,810 at the 90th percentile. Interestingly, the zip code 02122 has both the highest and lowest median tax bills, both at $5,156. By understanding these valuation concepts, property owners can 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 Dorchester, Massachusetts
Source: Ownwell
$105,700
$984,600
$1,863,500
Average Dorchester Assessed Value
$879,800
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 Dorchester, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02122 | $768,120 | $810,000 | $879,800 | $949,600 | $991,480 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Dorchester, Massachusetts
In Dorchester, Middlesex 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 city's assessor, who evaluates the property's market value, considering factors such as location, size, and condition. Once the assessed value is established, it is multiplied by the local tax rate to calculate the annual tax bill. For instance, the median home price in Dorchester is $879,800. With a local tax rate of around 0.99%, homeowners can expect a median tax bill of approximately $5,156. This falls in line with the national median property tax rate of 0.99%. However, tax bills in Dorchester can vary significantly. The 25th percentile tax bill is $4,747, while the 75th percentile reaches $5,565, and the 90th percentile can go up to $5,810. These property taxes directly impact homeowners by contributing to local services such as schools, infrastructure, and public safety. Understanding how these factors influence tax bills can help homeowners better manage their financial planning.
Average Dorchester Tax Bill
$5,156
Average Middlesex County Tax Bill
$7,427
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02122 | $4,502 | $4,747 | $5,156 | $5,565 | $5,810 |
Source: Ownwell