In Vermont, the Board of Abatement is a local body authorized to reduce or eliminate a person's property tax, interest, or collection fees under specific circumstances. It is distinct from the Board of Civil Authority (BCA); while the BCA hears appeals regarding property valuation, the Board of Abatement hears requests regarding the taxes themselves.
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By law (24 V.S.A. § 1535), the board may only grant an abatement for specific reasons, such as:
- Inability to Pay: The taxpayer is genuinely unable to pay the taxes, interest, or fees.
- Death or Removal: The taxpayer has died insolvent or moved out of state.
- Property Loss: The property was lost or destroyed during the tax year (e.g., due to fire or flood).
- Manifest Error: There was a clear mistake in the tax bill or a mistake made by the listers.
- Utility Issues: Extraordinary circumstances involving service charges
- Request a Form: Click for Abatement Hearing Application Form.
- Submit Evidence: You must provide documentation supporting your claim, such as financial statements for "inability to pay" or proof of damage for "property loss."
- Attend a Hearing: The board will schedule a public hearing where you can explain your situation. They act as a quasi-judicial body and will issue a written decision.
Members
Town Clerk
Brigid Browning
Town Treasurer
Cheryl Grandfield