The Assessors’ Department is providing notice that cyclical property data inspections are being conducted throughout the Town beginning May 1, 2023 and ending October 1, 2024. They will begin with commercial properties and then move on to residential properties. The Assessors are required by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, to conduct a periodic data inspection of residential, commercial, industrial and exempt parcels in the city at least once every 10 years to ensure that our property data, which forms the basis of all the tax assessments, is correct and will result in a full and fair cash value. No inspector will enter a home uninvited, or when there is not an adult resident at least 18 years old present. All inspectors will be wearing and clearly displaying their identification badges and the Police Department have been notified and have their vehicle information on file.
The inspectors will first request an interior inspection of the property. If there’s no one home or no response they will continue with an exterior inspection by measuring and listing any changes made to the building and land. If after the initial visit interior information was not obtained, a notification letter will be mailed. This letter can be either a Callback letter or Data Mailer. These inspections generally take 10-15 minutes. The inspection consists of verification of data on all interior, including basements & attics, and exterior, including other improvements such as garage, pool, sheds, barns, decks, patios, etc. At the end of the interior inspection the inspector will request for a signature on the property record card by either the property owner or person allowing the inspection as verification of the interior inspection.
The Assessors’ Department appreciates and we thank you for your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our office at (508) 910-1809 or email us at jpacheco@town.dartmouth.ma.us.