As property assessment notices arrive in mailboxes this month, Tiverton taxpayers might experience some sticker shock as they compare the numbers to previous assessments. 

The latest statistical update, completed by Northeast Revaluation Group, LLC (aka Catalis), reflects estimated fair market value of all Tiverton properties as of December 31, 2023. The numbers are based on sales activity in the 12 to 18 months prior to that date, and properties have appreciated significantly in that timeframe.

Tiverton tax assessor David Robert said taxpayers can expect to see the following estimated increases in assessments over the last revaluation cycle:

• Single-family homes and condos are up 37 to 45 percent on average;

• Multi-family properties are up 45 to 47 percent on average;

• Commercial properties are up 22 to 25 percent on average.

Though he didn’t provide percentages, Robert said owners of manufactured homes, such as those at Countryview Estates, are also likely to see significant increases, as will taxpayers who own mobile homes.

Some properties, because they were under-assessed in the past, or because of unique circumstances, may end up with assessments even higher than the predicted averages. Robert cited the Bay Street area as an example. More than 20 years ago, contaminated soil was found in the neighborhood, and adjustments were eventually made to reflect the properties’ limited marketability at the time. As properties gradually started selling, the assessor’s office slowly backed off on some of those adjustments.

“Now we are basically completely backed off because the sales data there supports true market value. Because we are removing those adjustments, they [property owners] are seeing a higher percentage increase. We have to reflect what the market is doing.”

Once the assessment notices are issued, taxpayers inevitably try to calculate their new tax bill by using the current tax rate, and some will then panic as they view what are in fact incorrect estimates. The significant increase in valuations throughout the entire town means the tax rate will drop, he said, depending on the FY 2024-25 budget approved by the town council later this Spring. 

He emphasized that his office is involved only in valuation of the properties.

“Once people get that notice, they need to make sure the value seems reasonable. We are looking at a range of what the estimated market value may be. It’s not an exact science, but hopefully we are in the ballpark.”

Recourse for unhappy taxpayers

Robert said although the assessment notices to be issued this month are considered preliminary, in the vast majority of cases, the numbers will not change.

Taxpayers who have concerns or questions should contact the revaluation company to schedule an in-person, informal hearing, after which the company will make adjustments if warranted. Robert said he expects to sit in on most of those hearings.

“If there are concerns, I would urge residents to contact the revaluation company, but obviously, my office is always available to answer any questions.”

Tiverton’s tax bills, which are mailed in late August or early September, are based on the town’s new tax rate and will reflect official assessment numbers. Beginning Oct. 1, taxpayers with objections have 90 days to submit a formal appeal to the tax assessor’s office.

“Whenever there are revals, there are always some concerns,” he said. “Some people are on fixed incomes and the tax burden is an issue. We are sensitive to that, but we definitely have to make sure that uniformly across the board, everyone is assessed fairly and accurately.”

What about Little Compton?

The town’s statistical revaluation process began last week, and property visits will begin in May 2024 and continue throughout the year. Property owners who have questions or concerns should call the tax assessor at 401-635-4509.

Vision Government Solutions Inc., based in Hudson, Mass, assists with Little Compton’s revaluation.