Personal Property

Personal Property is generally those items not permanently affixed to real estate. Personal property is movable and can be removed without serious damage either to the real estate or to the item being removed. The categories of taxable personal property are:

1. The most common type of personal property is business furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
2. Household furnishings, in property other than the principal residence typically a vacation or summer home or rental property.
3. Farm Animals.
4. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment owned by utility companies.

Items one, two, and three are assessed by the local Board of Assessors. Item four is assessed by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and committed for collection by the local Board of Assessors.

Each year taxpayers are required to return a form of list to the Assessors. The Form of List details taxable personal property and is required by Massachusetts statute.