Why are the tax amounts on my bill different from what I paid last quarter?

Boxborough issues quarterly real estate bills throughout the fiscal year, which runs from July 1st through June 30th. The typical due dates are August 1st, November 1st, February 1st, and May 1st. The first and second quarter bills, which are due in August and November, are preliminary only, and calculated by taking the total net tax paid in the prior fiscal year and dividing it by four, with one-fourth paid on each bill.

Once new values and a new tax rate are certified, the actual tax amount due for the fiscal year is calculated. From this new total amount owed for the year, the total of the preliminary payments is subtracted, and the new net amount due is split between the third and fourth quarter bills. Typically the amounts due on the first and second quarter bills will be the same, and the amounts due on the third and fourth quarter bills will be the same, but all four bills are not usually in the same amount.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Valuation Criteria?
2. What changes are made each year?
3. Why do different property assessments go up (or down) in different proportions?
4. When my neighbors house sells, will their price determine my assessment?
5. How will this new valuation affect my tax bill?
6. How can I get more information?
7. Why are the tax amounts on my bill different from what I paid last quarter?
8. My property value appears to be a little high, but I'm not sure if I'm over assessed. What should I do?
9. How do I file for abatement?
10. If I file an abatement request, do I have to attend a hearing with the Assessor?
11. What is a revaluation, and when does one occur?
12. Why do some assessments increase more than others after a revaluation?
13. If assessed values rise, do taxes have to rise?
14. Does the assessor need to inspect my house?
15. How do I file for homestead declaration?
16. How do I obtain property record cards online?