City & Town Newsletters

This article reviews assessor property inspection and Visit History Reporting best practices. It highlights the importance of data quality and formatting of the required “Visit History” Excel report created by the assessors (or vendors) to be submitted to the DLS Bureau of Local Assessment.

This article reviews best practice recommendations for Massachusetts municipal assessors and collectors related to the proper issuance of actual tax bills.

This article from the DLS Bureau of Accounts provides tips for local officials as they prepare and present the FY2026 Tax Rate Recap for approval.

This article provides a look into the annual review responsibilities of local assessors as they relate to charitable exemptions.

Regional school and special purpose districts have borrowing authority and purposes granted to them by the Massachusetts General Laws (G.L.). This article provides definitions for long-term, short-term and authorized and unissued debt, a graph of this debt since FY2014 and report in more detail this debt as of June 30, 2025 compiled from Statements of Indebtedness filed annually with the Bureau of Accounts on an unaudited basis.

This article discusses the resources and training available for new municipal finance officials, particularly focusing on the role of the Bureau of Accounts in overseeing financial management and providing guidance to municipalities in Massachusetts.

This article provides a comprehensive resource for local officials and interested taxpayers regarding the property tax abatement process.

This article by the Bureau of Accounts provides helpful guidance to local officials related enterprise funds and preparing for submission of the A-2 to DLS.

This article is the first of a two-part series on equalized valuations, the fair cash value of all property in a city or town subject to local taxation (not including exempt properties) as of January first as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue under G.L. c. 58, §§ 9 -10C. It provides historical background, explains the basic components of the EQV process, and displays multi-year trends across the Commonwealth.

This article is the second of a two-part series on equalized valuations, the fair cash value of all property in a city or town subject to local taxation (not including exempt properties) as of January first as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue under G.L. c. 58, §§ 9 -10C. It examines data trends and provides helpful context related to EQV.