Developing the Tax Rate & CPA Surcharge

Factors That Determine Property Tax Rate

Three factors determine the property tax rate:

  1. The property tax levy
  2. The total assessed value of the community
  3. Classification

Property Tax Levy

The tax levy is the amount of money to be raised by the property tax. Each year the amount to be raised must be determined in accordance with Proposition 2-1/2. This is computed by taking the total of the previous fiscal year’s tax levy increased by 2.5 percent, plus new growth, any voter-approved general overrides, and any voter-approved debt exclusions. Increases due to new growth are based upon the increased value of new developments, additions, renovations and other growth in the tax base that is not the result of an increase in value due to market forces.

An example of other growth would be a formerly tax-exempt property which becomes taxable. The purpose of this provision is to recognize that new development results in additional municipal costs.

An exclusion is that amount of money needed to pay the principal and interest on debt incurred for special projects approved by ballot referendum for exclusion from Proposition 2-1/2 limits.

Determining the Tax Rate

The tax rate is calculated by dividing the amount to be raised by the total assessed values of all property divided by 1,000.

Tax Rate = Tax Levy (or net amount to be raised) / Total Assessed Value / 1,000

This rate is expressed in terms of dollars per 1,000. For an example, if a home is assessed for $950,000 and the tax rate is $11.84, the real estate taxes would be computed as follows:

$11.84 X ($950,000 / 1,000) = $11,248.00

The amount to be raised through taxation is determined by Town Meeting each fiscal year and the provisions of Proposition 2 ½. The Select Board votes annually whether or not to shift the tax base and the tax rate on every year.

Determining the Community Preservation Surcharge

The community preservation surcharge is calculated by the following:

Total Assessed Parcel value less $100,000 (for residential properties only) / 1,000 X the tax rate X 3%

The community preservation surcharge is expressed in terms of dollars per 1,000. For an example, if a home is assessed for $950,000 and the tax rate is $11.84, the community preservation surcharge would be computed as follows:

$11.84 X ($950,000 - $100,000 = $850,000 / 1,000) = $10,064.00 X 3% = $301.92

Additional Information