Worcester County Property Tax Appeal — Massachusetts

Rob Hartley·Updated February 16, 2026

Worcester County, Massachusetts is the largest county by area in the state, with Worcester serving as the county seat and largest city. The median property tax in Worcester County, Massachusetts is $3,117 per year for a home worth the median value of $282,800. In Worcester County, Massachusetts, the effective property tax rate stands at 1.43%, which is notably higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Median annual Worcester County tax bill: $5,153, $2,753 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Worcester County has one of the highest median property taxes in the United States, and is ranked 146th of the 3143 counties in order of median property taxes. The average yearly property tax paid by Worcester County residents amounts to about 3.73% of their yearly income.

Notable cities: Worcester, Fitchburg, Leominster, Shrewsbury, Westborough, Gardner, Southbridge, Milford

Median Home

$282,800

Tax Rate

1.43%

Annual Tax

$5,153

Population

862,111

2026 Appeal Deadline: 30 days from the mailing of the Third Quarter actual tax bill, usually January 2 through February 2 each year

The application for abatement must be filed (received by the Assessor) no later than thirty (30) days after the date on which the "actual" tax bill was issued. January 1st of each year is the scheduled issuance date of the "actual" tax bill.

Property in Worcester County, Massachusetts — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Worcester County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: City Assessor (each municipality has its own assessor)

Assessment cycle: triennial

Notices typically mailed: Spring (typically mid-May)

Assessed values in Massachusetts are based on "100% full and fair cash value," or the fair market value as of the valuation date. Assessed values in Worcester County are an approximation of market value. The State of Massachusetts requires that all towns complete a statistical revaluation every three years with a full inspection in the ninth year. If your home's market value is $350,000, at Massachusetts's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $350,000, resulting in approximately $5,005 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.43%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Appellate Tax Board. If the office is unable to resolve the matter as to market value, you may file a petition for adjustment with the Appellate Tax Board. Review the decision letter for appeal options and timelines. The Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board handles many property tax appeals.

Step 1: Determine if your property value is in line with recent sale prices in your neighborhood for the applicable calendar year

Step 2: File an application with the Assessor's Main Office in Room 209, City Hall, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 or your local assessor's office

Step 3: Gather documentation including recent comparable sales, current appraisal, photos of condition issues, building permits, and income statements for rental properties

Step 4: Submit your application within 30 days of the actual tax bill mailing date

Step 5: Wait for the assessor's decision; if dissatisfied with the decision of the Assessor, you may file an appeal to the Appellate Tax Board

Step 6: Appeals are made to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board, an independent administrative board located at Government Center, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02114

Required form: Real Estate Tax Abatement Application

Filing Methods

in-person:Assessor's Main Office in Room 209, City Hall, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608

mail:Mail your application to the Assessing Division

email:Send along with the appropriate documents to the email address or fax number on this page

online:Check with your local municipality for online filing options

Evidence to Bring

Previous appraisalsRecent comparable salesPhotos of condition issuesCurrent appraisal from licensed professionalIncome and expense statements for rental property

Worcester County Assessor Contact

City Assessor (varies by municipality)

Phone: For Worcester: ((508) 799-1098

Address: For Worcester: Room 209, City Hall, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608

Website: https://gis.vgsi.com/worcesterma/

Online Portal: Check with your local municipality

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. (for Worcester)

Tax Exemptions in Worcester County

Senior Exemption (Age 65+)

Varies by municipality

Tax exemptions for elderly persons over age 70 (subject to asset and income restrictions). Must have owned property in MA for 5 years. Gross income, including your social security benefits, cannot exceed $58,000.

Eligibility: Taxpayer must be 65 years old as of July 1st. Must have owned property in MA for 5 years.Deadline: April 1, 2026

Veterans Exemption

Varies by disability rating

State law allows several categories of tax exemptions for veterans with service related disabilities

Eligibility: Veterans with service related disabilitiesDeadline: April 1, 2026

Blind Persons Exemption

Varies by municipality

State law allows tax exemptions for blind persons

Eligibility: Legally blind individualsDeadline: April 1, 2026

Residential Exemption

Varies annually by City Council vote

The City of Worcester offers residential exemptions with limits that are adopted yearly by the City Council. It is only granted to one property that serves as a property owner's principal residence of the taxpayer as used for Federal and State income tax reporting. To be eligible, the owner must occupy the property as their principal residence on January 1 preceding the fiscal year for which they are applying.

Eligibility: Owner must occupy the property as their principal residence on January 1Deadline: Check with local assessor

Tax Deferral Program

All of tax is deferred with interest at 4% per year

You may be enrolled in the deferral program and also receive other exemptions. All of tax is deferred. Tax is paid when the property is sold, transferred or upon the demise of the owner, with interest at 4% per year. Taxes may be deferred annually until the taxes are due, including accrued interest, equal to 50% of the then-assessed value of your property.

Eligibility: Senior homeowners meeting income requirementsDeadline: Check with local assessor

Official Resources

Worcester District Registry of Deeds →

The Registry of Deeds maintains the real and personal property records of fifty-five cities and towns of Worcester County from 1731 through today. All recorded documents can be viewed and printed on https://www.masslandrecords.com.

Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board →

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board is an independent administrative board that handles property tax appeals after local assessor decisions.

Massachusetts Department of Revenue Property Tax Forms →

Taxpayers should use these forms and guides to apply for local tax abatements and exemptions and file property returns.

Worcester Property Search Portal →

Search Worcester property records for property card data including values, ownership, land use, etc. You can also explore the Worcester Atlas map viewer.

Check Your Worcester County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Worcester County property is overassessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Worcester County?

The deadline to appeal your property taxes in Worcester County is 30 days from the mailing of the Third Quarter actual tax bill, which typically falls between January 2 and February 2 each year. January 1st is the scheduled issuance date of the actual tax bill. Deadlines are strict and tied to the issuance of the actual tax bill or other statutory dates. Always verify the current filing period and forms with Worcester's Assessing Division. Missing this deadline could prevent you from appealing your assessment for that tax year.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Worcester County online?

While Worcester County municipalities are modernizing their systems, online filing options vary by town. For Worcester city, you can file an application with the Assessor's Main Office in Room 209, City Hall, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608. Alternatively, you may send your application along with the appropriate documents to the email address or fax number provided by your local assessor. Most cities and towns in Worcester County offer online payment options through municipal treasurer or tax collector portals. Contact your specific municipality's assessor's office to verify if they accept online appeal submissions for 2026.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Worcester County?

Massachusetts does not have a traditional homestead exemption like some other states. However, Worcester and some other municipalities offer residential exemptions with limits that are adopted yearly by the City Council. It is only granted to one property that serves as a property owner's principal residence. While a homestead exemption may exist for properties considered the primary residence of the taxpayer, you must specifically submit an application to your local tax assessor. You can also ask about other exemptions that may exist for veterans, seniors, low-income families, or property used for certain purposes such as farmland or open space. The value varies significantly by municipality within Worcester County.

What happens at an Appellate Tax Board hearing in Worcester County?

The Appellate Tax Board is an independent administrative board under the direction of the Commonwealth that handles appeals after the local assessor's decision. If your local appeal is denied, you review the decision letter for appeal options and timelines. The Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board handles many property tax appeals. If the local office is unable to resolve the matter as to market value, you may file a petition for adjustment with the Appellate Tax Board. During the hearing, you'll present evidence supporting your valuation claim, including comparable sales, appraisals, and documentation of property conditions. The board will review all evidence and issue a binding decision.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Worcester County?

Statistics show that about 25% of homes in America are unfairly overassessed, and pay an average of $1,346 too much in property taxes every year. With Worcester County's effective property tax rate of 1.43% and median annual tax bill of $5,153 (which is $2,753 higher than the national median), even a modest reduction in assessed value can result in significant savings. For example, if your $350,000 home is reduced to $325,000 after appeal, you would save approximately $358 annually. If successful, watch for an adjusted bill or a refund or credit per Worcester's procedures.

What evidence do I need for a Worcester County property tax appeal?

Good documentation makes a difference. Gather: Recent comparable sales that match your property type and location. A current appraisal from a licensed professional if the asset is complex or high value. Photos of condition issues that the assessment might not reflect. Building permits and municipal records that correct the property description. Income and expense statements and leases for rental property. Previous appraisals, expert opinions, and appraisals for similar properties may be attached to the appeal as supporting documentation. Keep copies of everything you submit and receive. Reference parcel IDs, fiscal year, and valuation date on all materials to avoid delays.

Can seniors get a property tax reduction in Worcester County?

Yes, state law allows tax exemptions for elderly persons. Taxpayer must be 65 years old as of July 1st, must have owned property in MA for 5 years, and gross income, including social security benefits, cannot exceed $58,000. Seniors may also enroll in the deferral program where all tax is deferred and paid when the property is sold, transferred or upon the demise of the owner, with interest at 4% per year. Exemptions are granted for one year only and an application must be filed to receive the exemption each year. The deadline for filing personal exemptions is April 1, 2026.

Where do I submit my property tax appeal in Worcester County?

Property tax appeals in Worcester County are submitted to your local municipality's assessor's office, not a county-wide office. For Worcester city, file your application with the Assessor's Main Office in Room 209, City Hall, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608. While many other municipalities assess property taxes on a county basis, each city and town in Worcester County has its own tax assessor's office. You may also mail your application to the Assessing Division or send along with appropriate documents to the email address or fax number provided. Contact your specific town's assessor for their exact submission location and procedures.

For state-wide appeal information including Massachusetts's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Massachusetts Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Massachusetts Counties

Essex County (Lynn)Middlesex County (Cambridge)Norfolk County (Quincy)Suffolk County (Boston)

← All Massachusetts property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.worcesterma.gov/finance/taxes-assessments | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/massachusetts/worcester-county | https://www.tax-rates.org/massachusetts/worcester_county_property_tax | https://massrods.com/worcester/ | https://www.mass.gov/lists/property-tax-forms-and-guides

Last verified: 2026-02-16