Board of Abatement

The Board of Abatement is comprised of the Selectboard, the Town Clerk, the Town Treasurer, the Justices of the Peace, and the Assessor.

Abatement is a statutory process for relieving taxpayers from the burden of property taxes, penalties (collection fees), and interest when (1) the law authorizes it, and (2) when the board, in its discretion, agrees that the request is reasonable and proper. Abatement exists to permit the board to prevent an injustice or to help a taxpayer who faces extraordinary circumstances that make it difficult for the taxpayer to meet their tax obligations.

The Secretary of State’s handbook About Abatement should be used by property owners as a guide to their request for abatement of property tax.