Norfolk County, MA Property Taxes – 💸 2023 Ultimate Guide & What You Need to Know [rates, lookup, payments, dates]

Are you trying to understand your Norfolk property tax bill? Buying a house in Massachusetts and want to estimate your quarterly tax bills? Massachusetts property taxes are among the highest in the country. The average MA property tax bill is $6,372, according to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, with an average property tax rate of $15.24 per $1,000 of assessed value. That’s an effective property tax rate of 1.5%, higher than the national average of 1.1%.

Do you feel overwhelmed trying to understand your Norfolk County property taxes? It’s no wonder! Unlike many states, Massachusetts county governments do not assess or collect property taxes. Instead, it’s left to municipalities. Each town and city has its own guidelines which means not only different tax rates but even different tax exemptions.

Here’s everything you need to know about Norfolk County, MA property taxes including how to do a Norfolk County property tax search, appeal an assessment, when real estate taxes are due, and how to pay.

Norfolk County Property Taxes Overview

Property tax in Massachusetts is based on the assessed value of your home, or the estimated market value. Under Massachusetts law, property assessments and taxes are assessed to the owner of the property on January 1 of each year.

Property taxes are based on a fiscal year that starts on July 1 and ends on June 30. Your MA property taxes are billed quarterly with the first and second quarter bills estimated based on the prior year’s property value and tax rates. Your current year tax rate will appear on your third quarter tax bill.

Every three years, communities must undergo a certification of property values to ensure assessments accurately reflect each property’s fair market value. During non-certification years, Norfolk, MA assessors must do adjustments based on prevailing market conditions of the previous calendar year.

Each city or town has a board of assessors responsible for assessing taxes in the community. Your Norfolk property tax rate is set by dividing the tax money that must be raised (the levy the community needs) by the value of property in the community. This board of assessors will hold an annual meeting on the community’s budget to determine how much money must be generated to cover the local government’s expenses.

In most towns and cities in Norfolk County, residential properties have a lower tax rate than commercial properties. Property must be classified as one of the following:

• Residential
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Open space

As a homeowner, you can qualify for Norfolk County property tax exemptions and abatements that reduce your tax bill.

Note that the Norfolk County government does not handle property taxes or Norfolk tax liens. Towns and cities are responsible for property tax assessments and collection.

Proposition 2 ½ Limits MA Property Tax Increases

In 1980, Massachusetts passed Proposition 2 ½ which limits the amount property taxes can be increased. This law does the following:

• The amount property taxes are increased can’t be more than 2½% of the full market value of all taxable property in the town or city, and
• The amount of property taxes can’t increase more than 2½% from year to year. There are exceptions.

Note that Prop 2 ½ does not limit year-to-year increases in individual tax assessments, only the amount the city or town raises. There are also exemptions for new growth or if exclusions or overrides are approved by voters.

This means Massachusetts Proposition 2 ½ will not apply the 2½% increase limit to your property tax bill, only the town or city’s Levy Limit.

Norfolk County MA Property Search

Want to look up your property tax bill or your property’s tax history? To perform a Norfolk County property tax search, you will need to visit the assessor database for your town or city. The online database allows you to access your Property Record Card which shows your current Norfolk real estate assessment. Most towns and cities allow you to print a copy of your property tax bill online as well.

In a section below, you can find links to assessors offices for all major towns and cities to complete your Norfolk County, MA property tax bill search.

You can also search Norfolk, MA property records online through the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds website. The Registry allows you to verify property ownership, research titles, and request copies of your deed, property transfers, and more.

Norfolk County Property Tax Rates

Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the tax rate in your city by your property’s assessed value. Massachusetts tax rates vary significantly by town or city. Towns with low property tax bills may have a small population but a large industrial or commercial base with higher tax rates. Towns with high property tax bills may spend more on education and services, have high-priced homes, or may not bring in revenue through other sources.

The average property tax rate in Massachusetts is $15.24 for every $1,000 in assessed value for residential properties.

Here are the 2022 residential tax rates for major cities and towns to help you calculate your Norfolk property tax.

Keep in mind the highest tax rates don’t necessarily mean the highest tax bills. The assessed value of the home is the second crucial factor to consider. Next, exemptions applied to the property can dramatically reduce your tax bill. Here are some examples.

The Town of Wellesley has a property tax rate of $11.68, lower than the average MA property tax rate. However, it has one of the highest average family property tax bills in the state at $16,889 thanks to an average home price of $1.45 million.

The Norfolk, MA tax rate is $18.20, one of the highest property tax rates in Norfolk County. The high Norfolk property tax rate is combined with high home prices, yet the average tax bill is $9,750. That’s higher than the MA average, but it’s close to average for Norfolk County!

The Town of Braintree has a tax rate of $9.95, one of the lowest in the county, with a median home price of $574,000. The average tax bill is $5,801. It has among the lowest Norfolk County property taxes which makes it a desirable place to live.

The Quincy property tax rate of $11.98 is higher with a median home value of $607,000. The average property tax bill in Quincy is $6,510, just slightly over the Massachusetts average despite its lower-than-average tax rate thanks to high home prices.

Some Massachusetts cities and towns allow residents to claim the residential tax exemption. This exempts a portion of your home’s assessed value. The Town of Brookline in Norfolk County participates and allows you to exempt $310,620 from your assessed value. This can be used with other exemptions. Learn about property tax exemptions below.

Norfolk Property Tax Payment – How to Pay Your Tax Bill, Due Dates & More

Norfolk County, MA property taxes are billed quarterly. Your property tax bill is due 30 days after it is sent.

When are property tax bills mailed in Norfolk, MA? 

• July 1
• October 1
• January 1
• April 1

Your Norfolk real estate taxes are paid to your town or city treasurer/collector. In a section below, you will find a list with a link to the Norfolk treasurer’s office you need.

Almost all towns and cities offer several ways to pay Norfolk property tax bills including online payments. For instance, to make a Weymouth, MA online tax payment, go to the Weymouth, MA tax collector website. The Town of Weymouth Pay My Bill Online option has a 2.95% fee for credit or debit card payments. You will need to provide your bill number, parcel ID, or property address to find your account.

You may also pay your Norfolk real estate tax bill in person at your town collector/treasurer office or by mail.

Massachusetts Property Tax Exemptions

Property tax exemptions in Massachusetts can lower your tax bill by exempting a portion of your assessed value from taxation or directly reducing your property tax bill through a credit. You must generally apply for exemptions by April 1. Your application must be submitted to your local board of assessors.

Here is a brief overview of exemptions to lower your Norfolk County property tax bill.

Homeowner/Residential Exemption

There are only 14 Massachusetts towns with residential exemption for property owners. Brookline is the only town in Norfolk County with this exemption. The exemption is up to 35% of the average assessed value of Class 1 residential parcels and may be applied if the home is the owner’s primary residence on January 1. The Massachusetts residential exemption is a dollar amount of your assessed value excluded from taxation.

For 2022, Brookline homeowners are eligible for an exemption of $310,620. Click here to apply for the residential exemption.

Seniors

Qualified seniors who own their own home and meet residency, asset, and income requirements can receive the Elderly Exemption (Clause 41) that reduces their property tax bill by $1,000.

Tax Deferral for Seniors allows people 65 and older who meet income and residency requirements to defer 100% of their annual property tax obligation. This deferral comes with a 4% interest rate until the property is sold or the deferred taxes equal 50% of the home’s value.

The Circuit Breaker Tax Credit allows some seniors to claim a tax credit from the state on their taxes. This can provide a refund of up to $1,150 for property taxes or rent on a primary residence.

Veterans

The Massachusetts property tax exemption for disabled veterans is based on disability, service record, and residency. You may qualify for a tax exemption for veterans that offers $400, $750 to $1,500, or full exemption depending on your disability status, service-related disability, and military record. The Veterans Exemption (Clause 22) requires a service-connected disability of at least 10% and there are residency requirements.

Low-income Homeowners

The Hardship Exemption (Clause 18) may be offered at the discretion of your local board of assessors. This exemption offers partial or full tax relief to homeowners who cannot meet their tax obligation due to poverty, age, disability, and/or illness.

Surviving Spouses, Elderly People, and Minors of a Deceased Parent

The Surviving Spouse or Minor Exemption (Clause 17) offers a $175 tax reduction as long as residency, ownership, and estate requirements are met. Seniors may use this exemption or the Elderly Exemption (Clause 41) which provides a larger exemption but has stricter requirements.

Blind Persons

The Blind Exemption (Clause 37) provides a $500 tax reduction to homeowners who are legally blind. Certification from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind must be attached to the application.

Appealing Your Massachusetts Property Tax Assessment

If you do not agree with your Norfolk real estate assessment, you have the right to appeal your home’s assessed value. Property tax appeals are heard by the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board (ATB) which will conduct a hearing and render a decision. You can also appeal a denial of an application for abatement by your town board of assessors.

The appeal process always begins at the local level with your board of assessors. You must file an application for abatement on time to preserve your right to appeal to the ATB. An application for abatement must usually be filed on or before the due date for the first installment of your actual property tax bill. This is usually February 1 (third quarter bill) if your community bills quarterly.

If your application for abatement is denied, your appeal must be filed with the Appellate Tax Board within 3 months from the date of denial.

You can file your appeal by mail or in person. Appeals can be formal or informal:

• Petition Under Formal Procedure
• Statement Under Informal Procedure

If you can show that your property’s fair market value is less than your assessed value, you are entitled to an exemption, or your property was not classified correctly, you will be granted an abatement. This is a reduction in your property taxes granted by either your board of assessors or the ATB.

Before filing an appeal with the ATB, make sure you have paid your property taxes by the due date.

You can learn more about Massachusetts real estate tax appeals here.

Norfolk County, MA Tax Assessor Contact Information

Norfolk, MA tax assessors are responsible for determining the fair market value of properties in the city or town on January 1 of each year. Your Norfolk real estate assessment is submitted to the Department of Revenue periodically for certification. A Norfolk County, MA tax assessor is also responsible for administering property tax exemptions.

Below you will find links for the board of assessors in major Norfolk County cities and towns.

• Town of Bellingham Assessors
• Braintree, MA Assessors
• Town of Brookline Assessors
• Town of Canton Assessors
• Town of Dedham Assessors
• Town of Foxborough Assessors
• Franklin, MA Assessors
• Town of Holbrook Assessors
• Town of Medfield Assessors
• Town of Medway Assessors
• Town of Milton Assessors
• Town of Needham Assessors
• Town of Norfolk, MA Assessors
• Town of Norwood Assessors
• Quincy, MA Assessors
• Town of Randolph Assessors
• Town of Sharon Assessors
• Town of Stoughton Assessors
• Town of Walpole Assessors
• Town of Wellesley Assessors
• Town of Westwood Assessors
• Weymouth, MA Assessors
• Town of Wrentham Assessors

Norfolk County, MA Tax Collector Contact Information

The Norfolk treasurer or tax collector in each city or town is responsible for collecting property tax payments. Below are links to the Norfolk treasurer office for major cities and towns.

• Town of Bellingham tax collector: Bellingham Collector/Treasurer
• Town of Braintree tax collector
• Town of Brookline tax collector: Brookline Treasurer/Collector
• Town of Canton, MA tax collector: Canton Treasurer/Collector
• Town of Dedham, MA tax collector: Dedham Treasurer/Collector
• Town of Foxborough tax collector: Foxborough Treasurer/Collector
• Franklin, MA tax collector: Franklin Treasurer/Collector
• Town of Holbrook tax collector: Holbrook Treasurer/Collector
• Town of Medfield tax collector: Medfield Treasurer/Tax Collector
• Town of Medway tax collector: Medway Treasurer/Collector
• Town of Milton tax collector
• Town of Needham tax collector
• Town of Norfolk, MA tax collector: Norfolk Treasurer/Collector
• Town of Norwood, MA tax collector: Norwood Treasurer & Collector
• Quincy Treasurer-Collector’s Office
• Randolph, MA tax collector: Randolph Treasurer/Collector
• Town of Sharon, MA tax collector
• Town of Stoughton tax collector: Stoughton Treasurer/Collector
• Town of Walpole tax collector: Walpole Collector/Treasurer
• Town of Wellesley tax collector: Wellesley Treasurer/Collector
• Town of Westwood tax collector
• Town of Weymouth tax collector
• Town of Wrentham tax collector: Wrentham Treasurer/Collector

Norfolk County Property Tax FAQ

What is the average Norfolk County, MA property tax rate?

Norfolk County, MA property taxes are close to the Massachusetts average of $15.24 per $1,000 of assessed value. However, tax rates range from $7.89 (Stoughton, MA) to $19.75 (Sharon, MA) per $1,000.

When are property taxes mailed out in Norfolk County, MA?

Property tax bills are mailed out quarterly on July 1, October 1, January 1, and April 1.

When are Norfolk County property taxes due?

Norfolk County property tax due dates are generally 30 days after quarterly tax bills are mailed out.

Do you feel more confident about understanding your Norfolk County property taxes and what to expect on your next tax bill? If you’re getting ready to buy a house in one of Norfolk County’s beautiful towns, Mass Bay Movers is here to help. While we can’t help with the pricey property taxes, we can deliver a seamless, worry-free moving day so you can start enjoying the great quality of life those taxes give you!