Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Nantucket County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Nantucket County

In Nantucket County, property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of your real estate multiplied by the local tax rate. The Town of Nantucket’s Board of Assessors is responsible for determining the "full and fair cash value" of all taxable property as of January 1st each year. This assessment process ensures that the tax burden is distributed equitably across the island.

The tax rate, often referred to as the millage rate, is determined by the town’s budget requirements. Once the total amount of revenue needed to fund municipal services—such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure—is established, the Board of Assessors sets a tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value. Nantucket utilizes a single tax rate for all property classes, meaning residential, commercial, and industrial properties are taxed at the same rate.

Available Exemptions

Massachusetts state law provides several property tax exemptions for qualifying residents. These programs are designed to reduce the tax burden for specific groups. Common exemptions include:

• Senior Citizens: Taxpayers aged 70 or older may qualify for exemptions based on income and asset limitations.
• Veterans: Disabled veterans, or their surviving spouses, may be eligible for exemptions depending on the severity of the service-connected disability.
• Blind Persons: Residents who are legally blind as certified by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind are entitled to a specific statutory exemption.
• Hardship/Elderly: Seniors aged 65 and older may apply for tax deferrals or specific exemptions if they meet strict income thresholds.

Please note that the Residential Exemption, while available in some Massachusetts municipalities, is not currently adopted by the Town of Nantucket. Contact the Assessor’s Office to verify your eligibility for state-mandated exemptions.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Nantucket operates on a quarterly billing cycle. Property tax bills are issued four times per fiscal year to ensure consistent municipal cash flow. The due dates are as follows:

• 1st Quarter: August 1st
• 2nd Quarter: November 1st
• 3rd Quarter: February 1st
• 4th Quarter: May 1st

Payments must be received by the Collector’s Office by the close of business on these dates to avoid penalties. Failure to pay on time will result in interest charges accruing at a rate of 14% per annum. Continued delinquency may lead to the issuance of a formal demand notice and, eventually, a tax lien being placed on the property.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been overvalued, you have the right to file an Application for Abatement. This application must be filed with the Board of Assessors after the third-quarter tax bill is issued, but no later than the filing deadline printed on that bill. You must provide evidence to support your claim, such as recent appraisals or sales data of comparable properties in your neighborhood. If the Board denies your application or fails to respond within three months, you may further appeal to the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board (ATB).