Frequently Asked Questions

Any property value may be appealed annually whether the town has changed the base or not. The appeal must be timely or within the normal, annual work cycle for changing values. We consider a request timely if received before the close of annual grievance appeal hearings.

Write and mail or hand-deliver a letter or email to the Assessor's Office a written request to have the property value reviewed.

The more information submitted, the easier it will be to establish the facts and then discuss the less objective information. We typically request permission to look at the interior and exterior of the improvements to establish accurate sizes (ie gross living or building areas.) The building(s) are also evaluated for quality and condition at the same time. The land characteristics are also taken into consideration during the site visit. Supplemental information is welcome such as independent appraisal or certified market analysis when completed by a competent individual.

The owner or their agent (attorney or non-attorney with the owner's consent) may represent the owner at a hearing. The process is designed to be exercised by a lay-person.

The property owner has the right to bring an unacceptable property value to the Board of Civil Authority, as the next step, once a proper grievance / appeal has been decided upon and written decision issued. The property owner is advised of the outcome and option to appeal including timeframe to go to the next step.

The answer is one or both of two things: A. Tax Rates. The firs cause for a tax-bill increase pertains to the tax rates; both school and town. The town tax rate is the same for all properties in Shelburne and is very much determined by a combination of what is approved for spending at Town Meeting and how much change there was or the final size of the Grand List. The school rate is roughly 80% of a typical property tax bill in town and mandated by Legislature. B. Household Income. Vermont property tax payments under Act 60/68 are very sensitive to the household income. Aside from a year lag, any substantial increase or decrease in taxable income of a Vermont resident coudl have a direct impact on the property tax bill the subsequent year.

The legislature changed starting last year once again making annual reporting the standard. The form may be found with the State of Vermont income tax booklets in most town offices or on line at the State of Vermont Department of Taxes Webpage.

Last year the legislature required the towns to ask all exempt properties to report their market value or insurance replacement costs. From our perspective, this does not have any impact on the exempt status of these properties.