Westford, Massachusetts Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Westford, MA is 1.38%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Massachusetts state median of 1.23%. With the median home value in Westford at $674,700, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $9,291, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Westford 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 Westford'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 Westford 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
Westford, Massachusetts Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.38%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$9,311
$8,640
Ownwell’s Westford Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Westford with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Westford 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 Westford, Massachusetts
Property taxes in Westford, Massachusetts, are essential for funding crucial local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Westford is 1.38%, which is significantly higher than both the Massachusetts state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Westford set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Westford 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 Westford's effective property tax rate to other areas in Middlesex County and the national median. For comparison, the zip code 01886 has the highest median property tax rate of 1.38%, while the same zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 1.38%. Understanding how these cities compare with Westford 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 Westford Tax Rate
1.38%
Average Middlesex County Tax Rate
1.22%
Average Massachusetts Tax Rate
1.23%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Westford, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01886 | 1.38% | 1.38% | 1.38% | 1.38% | 1.38% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Westford, Massachusetts
In Westford, 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 Middlesex 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 Westford, 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 Westford helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The highest and lowest median tax bills in Westford are both $9,291, found in the 01886 zip code.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Westford, Massachusetts
Source: Ownwell
$105,700
$984,600
$1,863,500
Average Westford Assessed Value
$674,700
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 Westford, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01886 | $422,530 | $522,050 | $674,700 | $857,325 | $1,039,000 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Westford, Massachusetts
In Westford, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a property, which is determined by the local tax assessor. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. Several factors influence the assessed value, including the property's location, size, age, and condition, as well as recent sales of comparable properties in the area. Homeowners in Westford face varying tax bills depending on their property's assessed value. For instance, tax bills in the 25th percentile are around $7,188, while those in the 75th percentile reach approximately $11,805. At the higher end, the 90th percentile tax bills can be as much as $14,307. The median home price in Westford is $674,700, and the property tax rate in Middlesex County contributes to this variation. The impact on homeowners is significant, as higher property taxes can affect affordability and the overall cost of homeownership. Comparing this to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Westford's property taxes are notably higher, reflecting the region's higher property values and tax rates.
Average Westford Tax Bill
$9,291
Average Middlesex County Tax Bill
$7,427
Average Massachusetts Tax Bill
$5,844
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Westford, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01886 | $5,818 | $7,188 | $9,291 | $11,805 | $14,307 |
Source: Ownwell