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1. How are values determined?

The Assessor determines the market value of every parcel of property in a city or town as of each January 1. There are three approaches to value: market, income, and cost. For details about each of these approaches please view the Values Determined page.

2. What is an abatement?

An abatement is a reduction of property tax granted by the assessors or, on appeal, by the ATB. Generally, abatements are granted when taxpayers are able to prove that the fair market value of their property is less than its assessed value. Taxpayers may also receive abatements if their property is entitled to an exemption or is improperly classified. Taxpayers may apply for an abatement of real estate tax once the actual real estate tax bill is issued, which is generally the third quarter bill in communities that bill quarterly.

3. What are the requirements for an abatement of real property taxes?

A taxpayer may contest tax liability on specific grounds, which include: overvaluation, disproportionate assessment, misclassification of real property, and statutory exemption. For details on these items please visit the

Abatement Requirements page.

4. What are the procedures for filing an abatement?

The Fiscal Year 2023 Application for Abatement is available immediately following the issuance of the (first actual bill) which is the 3rd quarter Fiscal Year 2023 tax bill.

The Fiscal Year 2023 application for Abatement of Real Estate Tax is due by the close of business (4:30pm) on February 1, 2023.

Note: If you choose to mail your abatement application, it must bear a U.S. postmark dated no later than the February 1, 2023, deadline date. The assessors cannot waive this deadline and will not grant an abatement for applications received or post marked after the deadline date. Download and fill out the

Application for Abatement (PDF).

5. What is classification?

In 1978 the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted a Constitutional amendment authorizing the General Court to classify real property into as many as four classes (residential, open space, commercial, and industrial) and to tax such classes differently. The Department of Revenue supervises the implementation of property classification. In Agawam, the determination to allocate the tax burden by class is made annually by the Town Council, with the approval of the Mayor.

6. What are the classes of property?

Assessors in Massachusetts assign all real property according to its use. The four classes are: Residential, Open Space, Commercial, and Industrial. For additional details on these four classes please view our Property Class page.

7. How do I change my tax bill mailing address?

If you have a new permanent mailing address, you can request a Change of Address Form by calling the Assessor’s Office at 413-786-0400 extension 8700. The completed form signed by all property owners can be returned directly to the Assessor’s Office at:
36 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001

8. How can I change the tax bill to my name after purchasing a parcel of property?

The Assessor's Office routinely receives deeds recorded at the Hampden County Registry of Deeds to update property ownership. The ownership will typically update on the next billing cycle following the receipt of the recorded deed. If the ownership has not been updated after the passage of time, please contact the Assessor's Office at 413-786-0400, ext. 8700