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Exemptions · Property
Assessment & Taxation
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EXEMPTIONS
Q. Who
qualifies for a Veteran Exemption?
A. Any person who served
during the qualifying dates, that owns Real Estate, Motor Vehicle,
or a business. If you have more then one option to apply this
exemption you will have to apply it to your real estate bill first.
Q. How do I
apply for a Veteran Exemption or Widow of a Veteran Exemption?
A. You must first check
your dates of service with the guidelines listed. You then should
bring your
DD214, (shows the date of
entry & date of discharge) to the Town Clerks Office. They will
record this document free of charge. Once you complete that bring
the document to the Tax Assessor’s Office.
- If you are the widow of a veteran follow the same procedure, but
also bring your spouses death certificate to the Tax Assessor’s
Office.
Q. What is a
Homestead Exemption?
A. If you own
residential real estate, and reside at the property you are entitled
to 20% off your 100% assessment.
Q. My
family resides in my property, but I am the owner. Am I entitled to
the Homestead Exemption or can my family member apply?
A. No.
The only person who is eligible for this exemption must have a
deeded interest in the property.
Q. How do I
apply for a Homestead Exemption?
A. If you recently
purchased the property, an application will be mailed to you
automatically upon the processing of your deed. Please be patient
you will receive one. If for some reason you have not received an
application by December 31st of the year you purchased
your property, contact the Tax Assessor’s office immediately.
- If you owned the property for some time, but have not been receiving
the exemption (check your current bill for the code HOMEST)
call our office, and we will mail one to you.
Q. Who
qualifies for a Senior Exemption?
A.
Anyone who turns 65,
that owns and resides in the town.
Q. How do I
apply for my Senior Exemption?
A.
When you turn 65
bring your license, birth certificate, or identification card to the
Tax Assessors office.
Q. How do I
apply for a low-income exemption/variable exemption?
A.
Download the
application. Follow each step, and fill out every question. Make
sure you attach proof of all documentation listed on the
application. You can then drop it off to the Tax Assessor’s office
no later then April 15th.
Q. How do I
know if I qualify for a legally Blind Exemption, and how do I apply?
A. If your central
visual acuity is 20/200 or less in the better eye, with corrective
glasses, or central visual acuity of more than 20/200 but there is a
field defect in which the peripheral field has contracted to such an
extent that the widest diameter of visual field subtends in angular
distance no greater the 20 degrees. (R.I.G.L. 44-3-25)
- To apply you will need your ophthalmologist to write a letter to the
Tax Assessor’s Office stating that your are legally blind and it
must also state your visual acuity.
Q. How do I
apply for an Interstate Trucking Exemption?
A. Download the
exemption application, complete the form, and return it to the Tax
Assessor’s Office by December 31st.
Property assessment and
taxation
Q. How is
my property assessment calculated?
A.
Your property
assessment is derived by the current market values in your area,
which is established during a revaluation year.
Q. How is
my tax bill calculated?
A. Your bill is
calculated on the 100% assessed value, multiplied by the tax rate
set by the Town Council, and our Mayor. If you have qualified for
any of our listed exemptions, the amount of that exemption will be
deducted from your 100% value.
Q. How is
my Motor Vehicle Excise tax bill calculated?
A. The Vehicle Value
Commission places the value on every vehicle registered. We then
prorate for the number of days the vehicle was registered during the
previous calendar year. Also, prorated is the amount of
your state phase-out exemption. If you have qualified for any other
personal exemptions, that amount will be deducted before the
phase-out exemption is applied.
Q. How do I
stop my Motor Vehicle tax?
A. You must return your
RI license plates to the RI DMV, within 10 days of moving, or
disposing of your vehicle. Taxation stops only when
the RI DMV cancels your registration. Please remember that motor
vehicles are billed a year behind. (see link to
DMV web site) We recommend
physically returning your plates, so that you can obtain a
TR3/cancellation of registration receipt.
Q.
What are Tangible Taxes?
A.
Tangible taxes are assessed on the physical assets and inventory of
businesses. The Assessor’s Office must be notified in writing
whenever a business is closed, sold, or renamed, in order to ensure
that the tax bill is accurate. Please include the nature of the
transaction, the date it went through and the current name and
address of the company (if applicable). For any questions, call or
visit the office of the Tax Assessor.
Q. How is
my Tangible Tax calculated?
A. Your tangible taxes
are assessed based upon what you have reported to our office. Every
November we send each an every business an “ Annual Business Return”
so that we can accurately assess your assets. If this return is
not filed by January 31st , and you have not requested an
extension date of March 15th , you forfeit your right to
an appeal, and your assessment is subject to an increase.
Q. Can I appeal my motor vehicle assessment?
A. Yes, please download
the
Motor Vehicle Tax Appeal Application
and return it to the Tax Assessor’s Office. According to RI General
Law, the appeal deadline is 30 days from the due date of your motor
vehicle tax bill (August 31st).
Q. Can I appeal my real estate/tangible assessment?
A. Yes, your first step
is to download the
Real Estate/Tangible Tax Appeal Form.
According to RI General Law, you have 90 days from the due date on
your bill to appeal (August 31st).
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