What's the difference between an abatement and an exemption?
An exemption is a discharge from the obligation to pay all or part of a real estate tax based on certain age, income, military, or disability status as set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. An abatement happens as a result of an adjustment that lowers a property valuation after the actual (not preliminary) tax bill has been issued. Exemptions are available for seniors, low-income seniors, surviving spouse or surviving minor child, veterans with disabilities, and blind persons.

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1. How often does the valuation of properties change?
2. How will the new valuation affect my tax bill? If my assessment went down, how can my tax bill go up?
3. What's the difference between an abatement and an exemption?