Each year the town visits new construction including new homes, additions, and other projects that add value to a property or in some cases to verify removal of property that reduces value, for example demolition, removal of pools and decks etc.
This program is required by the Department of Revenue and requires that each property in town be visited once every 10 years to check for changes.
As Foxborough has approximately 6,200 parcels with structures, the program is spread out over several years to complete the program and reduce the financial burden to the town. As it will take 5-10 years to complete all the parcels, once that is done, the program is started over again to maintain accurate data.
Property values are appealed during the month of January every year by state law. These applications are due February 1st.
In order to be eligible for an abatement, the process requires a full inspection of the property to determine full and fair cash value. These inspections are completed by the Assessor’s office. The inspection includes a walk-through of the interior and measurements on the exterior of any structures with exterior photos.
By Mass General Law, the burden of proof is on the taxpayer to prove that the current value is incorrect. The property owner should indicate on the application an opinion of value and evidence of change or correction requested.
When property transactions occur the Assessor’s office receives these sales from the Registry of Deeds and makes ownership changes as needed. To improve our data and the check on changes to properties, we send Sales Questionnaires to property owners requesting sales information and inspection. This assists the office in establishing accurate values from the point of sale forward.
All businesses are subject to inspection for Business Personal Property to verify equipment in use and the assets listed on your Form of List. Inspections will begin in January and continue throughout the Spring.