In implementing real estate taxation, the property card, property record or “field card” has become the most important tool for the Town Assessing Department.  What exactly is the “field card” and how is it used?  It is the formal record for the property being assessed for taxation.  In general, the field card has been created by utilizing both research and a “field” inspection of the property.

Cities and towns dispatch one or many individuals that canvass a territory and report back the findings of the subject property.  Those findings are then further refined and constructed as a permanent, but changing, record of that specific house.  The record card is available in the Assessing Department of the property’s city or town.  Upon request, it is usually available free for the property owner. 

In many cases, field cards can also be found on-line, downloaded and printed.  By going to the city or town’s website and then to the Assessing Department, you will find a portal to search for this printable document—most usually accessed by street number and address.

View this document very carefully.  If there are discrepancies, miscalculations or errors, it may affect your taxation.  Even small mistakes unchecked for many years amount to grave monetary loss.  If you detect an error, bring this to the attention of the Assessing Department for correction.  Repairing a mistake is only part of addressing an assessing mistake.  If you believe you are entitled to an abatement (i.e. compensated for the error) you must file a real estate abatement form. 

Real estate abatement forms can also be found on-line or picked up from the Assessor in the Assessing Department.  Abatements can only be filed at specific times designated by the city or town where the property is located.  In addition, there is strict adherence to filing times of abatements.  To be sure, check the individual municipality’s requirements. 

Watch for our next article “How to File a Real Estate Abatement”.

Click Here for More Local Real Estate Information