Boston’s Property Tax Assessment Practices Under Scrutiny Amid Allegations of Retaliation
Boston, MA – The state’s Department of Revenue (DOR) has found no evidence backing claims made by the Pioneer New England Legal Foundation, which alleges that the City of Boston has been inflating assessed values and taxes on commercial properties that file appeals. DOR Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder indicated that after reviewing public property tax data, no substantiation was found for these claims.
In June, the Pioneer foundation requested an investigation, alleging "unauthorized and unconstitutional" assessment practices by the city, particularly affecting taxpayers appealing their real estate tax assessments. Snyder urged Pioneer to provide specific evidence to support its claims, expressing interest in further reviewing the situation.
Mayor Michelle Wu’s financial officer, Ashley Groffenberger, described DOR’s findings as a validation of the city’s adherence to lawful assessment practices. "The city’s Assessing Department ensures fair market evaluations," she stated, highlighting their commitment to transparency.
Despite the DOR’s conclusions, Pioneer remains firm in its stance. Frank Bailey, the foundation’s president, asserts that the city is penalizing commercial property owners challenging their tax bills for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. He claims that the city has been secretly increasing property values post-appeal, effectively raising tax burdens without notifying the taxpayers.
Bailey has expressed disappointment over the DOR’s lack of engagement, having previously requested meetings to present evidence of these practices. The allegations suggest that owners have faced significant tax increases—potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars—due to the city’s actions following their appeals.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions surrounding property tax assessments and the accountability of municipal practices. Authorities, property owners, and legal experts remain locked in a debate over the fairness of Boston’s tax assessment methods.
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