What is the CPA tax?

Seekonk voted to adopt the CPA on April 6, 2009.

Sections 3 to 7 of Chapter 44B of the General Laws of Massachusetts, also known as the Community Preservation Act, established a dedicated funding source to acquire and preserve open spaces, parks, and conservation land, protect public drinking water supplies, and scenic areas. Also it protects farm land, and forests from future development, restores and preserves historic properties, and helps meet the housing needs of local families. In Seekonk, beginning in FY 2010,  the Community Preservation Act will be funded by an additional tax of 1.25% on the annual tax levied on real property, and by matching funds from the Commonwealth.

The following exemptions shall be permitted: 1) Property owned and occupied as a domicile by any person who qualifies for low income housing or low or moderate income senior housing in the Town, as defined in Section 2 of said Act:2) the first $100,000 of the value of each taxable parcel of residential real property. Any taxpayer receiving a regular property tax abatement or exemption will also receive a corresponding full or partial reduction in the surcharge.

A Community Preservation Committee composed of local citizens will make recommendations to Town Meeting on the use of the funds and all expenditures will be subject of annual audit.

Show All Answers

1. What do the Assessors do?
2. How do Assessors determine value?
3. At what ratio is property assessed?
4. What does full and fair cash value mean?
5. Why do assessments change when nothing has happened to the property?
6. When are real property tax bills mailed?
7. What is the CPA tax?
8. Who is responsible for taxes if a property is sold after January 1?
9. Why is the former owner’s name still on my tax bill?
10. After a change in ownership, how do I correct the name(s) on my tax bill?
11. How do I change my address for tax billing?
12. What should I do if I recently sold my property but I am still receiving a tax bill?
13. When do I file for overvaluation abatement?
14. Where do I file an abatement application?
15. What is Proposition 2 1/2?
16. What is the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers?