The Assessing Office determines the value of real property and personal property in Cambridge for the purpose of taxation. The Assessor is required by Massachusetts Law to list and value all real and personal property, which includes all changes of title and subdivisions. Assessed values in Massachusetts are based on “full and fair cash value”, or 100% of the fair market value. To arrive at “full and fair cash value” the Assessor must know what “willing sellers” and “willing buyers” are doing in the marketplace. The Assessor must collect, record and analyze a great deal of information, including property and market characteristics, sales verification analysis, current construction costs and any changes in zoning, financing and economic conditions. The City of Cambridge Assessing Department uses the three nationally recognized appraisal approaches to value: cost, income and market. This data is then correlated into a final value for each fiscal year. Prior to the issuing of tax bills, the department must submit the values to the State Department of Revenue for annual and five-year certifications.

The Assessing Office maintains an extensive database of property information.

You can apply for other personal exemptions along with the residential exemption, but the taxable value of your property can’t be below 10 percent of the assessed value. There are exemptions for certain residents, such as Veterans with service-related disabilities or other hardships.

For Questions about Municipal Lien Certificates or Online Bill Payments, please contact the Finance Department at 617-349-4220 or Finance@cambridgema.gov.