Andover Taxpayers Have Until Feb. 1 To File Property Tax Appeal

ANDOVER, MA — The Town of Andover is reminding taxpayers that the deadline is fast approaching to file a property tax Application for Abatement for 2023 with the Assessor's Office.

The Application for Abatement form, on which a taxpayer can dispute their property tax assessment, must be received by the Assessor's Office — or be postmarked — on or before 4:30 p.m. on Wed. Feb. 1. The application only will be accepted if it is on the approved form, which is available online.

According to David Billard, the Town of Andover's Chief Assessor, the application for abatement process is a state statutory provision that allows taxpayers to dispute their property tax assessment.

"The Board of Assessors acts on all abatement applications and has three months from the date of filing to render a decision," Billard told Patch.

On the application, taxpayers are given four choices as to why they are seeking an abatement.

"Overvaluation" is a common reason to seek an abatement and simply means the taxpayer believes the assessment is too high.

"Disproportionate assessment" means the taxpayer believes their property has been unfairly assessed when compared to a neighbor's property or similar property.

"Incorrect classification," as it sounds, means the taxpayer believes their property has been incorrectly classified as a residential or commercial property.

There also is a box for "Other."

In all cases, taxpayers are asked to give a more detailed explanation for why they believe their property taxes are too high.

Taxpayers also have an opportunity to request a hearing with the Board of Assessors. The Assessor's Office said all hearings are conducted on weekday mornings.