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MassWoods

MassWoods Forest Conservation Program

 

Chapter 61/61A Forestland Calculator

The Ch. 61 Forest Land and Ch. 61A Farm Land tax laws are designed to give favorable tax treatment to landowners willing to keep woodland undeveloped and actively managed. Please note, that the Ch. 61/61A rates used in this calculator are for fiscal year 2013 and go into effect starting July 1st, 2012.

Step 1: Choose the location of your property
East OR West of the Connecticut River

Step 2: Enter the number of certified acres

Step 3: Enter your town's tax rate. Use the open space rate if your town has adopted one for your chapter program. If an open space rate has not been adopted, then use your town's commercial tax rate. Click here to look up your town's tax rate.

Forest land Valuation Rates:
The following chart lists the per acre valuation for each productivity rating both east and west of the Connecticut River. These rates go into affect July 1st, 2012.

FY 2013 Forestland Per Acre Valuation Productivity Rating
  Below Average Average Above Average
West of the Connecticut River $41 $51 $61
East of the Connecticut River $34 $43 $52

Property taxes are calculated as shown below:
Number of certified Acres X Per Acre Valuation* = Current Use Valuation
Current Use Valuation X Town's Per Thousand Tax Rate = Estimated tax bill under current use

*Note: The per acre valuation will be based on your land’s productivity, as determined by the local assessor. This calculator will generate a High (H), Medium (M), and Low (L) productivity valuation.

Example
57.53 Acres located West of the Connecticut River
Based on FY 2013 rates. Town Tax Rate $13.89

Number of Acres Per Acre Valuation Current Use Valuation Your Town's Per Thousand Tax Rate Est. Current Use Tax
57.53 $41 (L) $2,358.73 $13.89 $32.76
57.53 $51 (M) $2,934.03 $13.89 $40.75
57.53 $61 (H) $3,509.33 $13.89 $48.74


Your estimated tax bill using Ch. 61/Ch. 61A forest land valuation:

Number of Acres Per Acre Valuation Current Use Valuation Your Town's Per Thousand Tax Rate Est. Current Use Tax
         
         
         

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*The taxes calculated are meant only as an estimate of your taxes. For a precise tax bill contact the board of assessors in your community.

The Ch. 61/61A rates used in this calculation will go into affect July 1st, 2012. Until that date, assessments will remain under the current per acre rates.