FAQs

Property Assessment Methodology

  1. What guidelines must the Assessor Follow?
  2. Why does the assessor need to visit my property?
  3. If the Assessor asks to view the interior of my home, do I have to let them in?
  4. How does the Assessor determine the assessed value of my property?
  5. What is market value?
  6. What constitutes an arms-length transaction?
  7. What is the difference between assessment year, fiscal year, and commitment date?
  8. Does the assessment have to be made of April 1st, or completed that day?
  9. Why are my assessed property values increasing?
  10. Is Waterville the only municipality where assessed valuations are increasing?
  11. Can I come in and have my valuation reviewed?
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Property Tax Billing & Payment

  1. I sold my property after April 1st and the taxes were prorated at closing. Am I responsible for the taxes?
  2. Why does the prior owner’s name still appear on my tax bill?
  3. I received a tax bill in the mail, but I sold the property on June 1st. Why did it come to me?
  4. I’ve bought (or sold) a mobile home, how do I change the ownership information for tax billing purposes?
  5. How do I get a copy of my tax bill?
  6. How do I change the mailing address for my tax bill?
  7. I am planning to build a new house; how do I obtain a house number for that house?
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Property Tax Calculation

  1. Why did my taxes go up?
  2. Who controls the budget and spending?
  3. Does the City collect more money when property valuations go up?
  4. How is the property tax rate determined?
  5. How is my annual tax bill calculated?
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Property Tax Abatement & Appeals

  1. I think my taxes are too high, what can I do to reduce them?
  2. I do not agree with the assessment of my property. What options do I have to change this?
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Property Tax Exemptions & Assistance

  1. Are there any property tax relief programs available?
  2. What is the homestead exemption?
  3. I applied for a homestead property tax exemption, but it didn’t show up on my bill. Why is that?
  4. Am I getting all the property tax exemptions that are available to me?
  5. What is the deadline to file a homestead exemption?
  6. How do I apply for the homestead exemption?
  7. Do I have to apply for the exemption each year?
  8. Can I have more than one homestead exemption?
  9. How do I qualify for the Veteran’s Exemption?
  10. How do I qualify for the blind exemption?
  11. I have solar panels, is there an exemption for that?
  12. Why is the exemption on my tax bill less than $25,000?
  13. What should I do if my application is rejected?
  14. For estate planning purposes, I placed the deed to my property in a trust. Can I still receive the homestead exemption?
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Business Personal Property

  1. What is personal property?
  2. What are the most common business personal property filing errors?
  3. What are some filing tips for business personal property?
  4. Are there any tax relief programs for business personal property?
  5. I owned a business in Waterville that has since been moved or closed. Do I need to notify the Assessor’s office?
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Revaluation FAQ

  1. What is a revaluation?
  2. Why is a revaluation performed?
  3. When will the revaluation become effective?
  4. Why is it necessary to perform a town-wide revaluation currently?
  5. What’s the difference between a full revaluation and a statistical revaluation?
  6. Why is the Assessor recommending a statistical revaluation over a full revaluation?
  7. What if there are no reasonably comparable sales?
  8. The inside of my home was not inspected, so how could you reassess it?
  9. Will I receive details about my property?
  10. How will I know if my assessment is fair and equitable?
  11. Will Commercial, Industrial, and Exempt Property valuations be updated?
  12. When will property owners be notified of the new values?
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