Massachusetts Chapter 61
Chapter 61 is Massachusetts' current use property tax program. It allows land in forest, agriculture, and open space uses to receive reduced assessments based on current use compared to market value assessments, which reduces property taxes. Basic requirements for the forest land portion of the Chapter 61 program are a minimum of 10 acres of forest land and the development of a forest management plan prepared by a MA Licensed Forester. Basic requirements for the forest land portion of the Chapter 61B program are a minimum of 5 acres in forest or other natural or recreational uses. Land enrolled in Chapter 61B must be re-enrolled every year. F&W foresters prepare plans, maps and other required paperwork to ensure landowners' successful enrollment in these programs. More information about these programs is available from UMass-Amherst MassWoods. |