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1. How do I appeal my assessment?

The taxpayer may file an Abatement Application with their municipality, from the time of receipt of the final tax bill (usually in November), until March 1st of the following year. The town has until July 1st to grant or deny the application. Simply stating that your value is too high is insufficient. Gather as much information as you can on similar properties in your neighborhood. Check with a real estate broker, or use the sales record book in our Assessing Office.

Abatement application forms are available in the Assessing Office, or you may go to Board of Tax and Land Appeals website, and click on Municipal Abatement Form in the Property Tax Forms section. The Town of Bow does not require Inventory Blanks, so check N/A on that question on page 1 of the application form.

Please Note: Applying for a property tax abatement does not mean you should postpone paying your taxes. Taxes should be paid as assessed, by the deadline stated on your tax bill, or you will be subject to interest charges. If an abatement is granted, a refund with interest will be made. Board of Tax and Land Appeals website.

2. What if I think that my taxes are too high?

A tax rate applied to your property's assessed value determines the amount of tax you pay. All the taxing agencies: the municipality, county, state education, and the local school district, determine the tax rate, depending on what is voted on at the Town Meeting, the School District Meeting, and what is needed to provide all the services that citizens benefit from. The assessor does not set the tax rate. The assessor's primary responsibility is to find the fair market value of your property, so that you pay only your fair share of the taxes.

3. What if I think my assessment is too high?

If your opinion of the value of your property differs from the assessor's, we will be glad to answer your questions about how the assessed value was arrived at, and explain how to appeal if you still disagree. Without complete and precise data, however, equity is impossible. You can help by allowing in-house reviews, and providing us with accurate information.