PHONE:  802-492.3511
FAX:        802-492-3511

shrewsburyclerk@vermontel.net

OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Thursday  
9:00am-3:00pm
& by appointment 

ABATEMENT

Information Regarding Property Tax Abatement

Abatement

What is tax abatement? Abatement is a statutory process for relieving taxpayers from the burden of property taxes, penalty (collection fees) and interest when the law authorizes abatement and when the board, in its discretion, agrees that the request is reasonable and proper. It exists to permit the board to prevent an injustice or to help a taxpayer who faces extraordinary circumstances that make it difficult for the taxpayer to meet his or her tax obligations. Abatements are cautiously granted insofar as they reduce the income to the town and require the town to either spend less or increase the taxes on the rest of the taxpayers to make up the difference.

The preceeding is a summary from a 2007 publication of the Office of the Vermont Secretary of State, which outlines the process of Abatement for both the taxpayer and the Board of Abatement.

Shrewsbury Tax Payers who would like to request an Abatement of their Shrewsbury Property taxes because of property loss or destruction suffered as a result of Tropical Storm Irene should try to make their requests by November 30, 2011.

Although there is no specific time limit as to when requests for Tax Abatements can be made, it is helpful to have adequate time for the posting of Abatement Hearings and for the Board of Abatement to have scheduling options so that an appropriate quorum can be assembled.  It is also helpful from the Town's perspective to understand it financial liability regarding abatements by the end of the calendar fiscal year December 31, 2011.

Please contact the Town Clerk if you would like to schedule an Abatement hearing or have questions about making an Abatement request.  It will be helpful in understanding your request if you can be as detailed as possible as to what property was lost or destroyed.  The Board of Abatement may ask for additional information pertaining to insurance and or FEMA claims, photographs or other material in order to make a fair and just decision.

Summary Version of About Tax Abatement 2007 publication of the Office of the Vermont Secretary of State.

http://shrewsburyvtvolunteers.org

If you want to volunteer outside of Shrewsbury contact

VTResponse

Vermont Clean Up Day

Saturday, October 22 to energize recovery efforts for Vermont communities affected by Tropical Storm Irene. VT Clean Up Day is a community-powered initiative to lend a hand to clean up from Irene and get our neighbors ready for the coming winter.