City Assessor's Page

Welcome to the City Assessor's Page.  We have included commonly used links, forms and documents as well as frequently asked questions.  If you have a question that is not addressed on this page, feel free to contact us or come in to the office.  We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:00.

Links

Online Tax Rolls

Online Assessor's Database

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax FAQ's

Tangible Property Tax FAQ's

Tax Rates for all RI Municipalities

Forms

Tax Exempt Status Application

2012 Annual Return

Address Change Request Form

State Form 1040H - Property Tax Relief

Prorated Homestead Application

Interstate Commerce Exemption Form

Elderly Exemption Application

Property Valuation Assessment Appeal

Motor Vehicle Valuation Appeal

Documents

2012 Assessor's Notice

RI Vehicle Value Commission FAQ Package

2011 Real Estate and Tangible Tax Roll

2011 Tax Roll Certification

2010 Real Estate and Tangible Tax Roll

Assessor's Maps

Historic Tax Rates

Back of Tax Bill

City Revaluation Information

Vision Government Solutions (formerly Vision Appraisal) has begun the inspection portion of the state-mandated city wide revaluation.  Data collectors will be requesting to enter some properties, specifically properties that have qualified sales within the past 12-18 months.  Also, properties that have had physical changes during 2011 will also be inspected.  All properties in the City will be field reviewed, which consists of driving the streets and comparing the property to the information in the City’s database.  The police department has been notified of the employees and their vehicles, and will continue to be updated as more data collectors commence work.  The data collectors and appraisers will have a Vision Government Solutions identification badge and an introduction letter from the City Assessor.  If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the Assessor’s Department at (401) 767-9271 or (401) 767-9272.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out how much I owe for taxes?

Your balance is available online.  You will need your account number and PIN number, which are listed on your current tax bill.  Please remember to use all capitals and zeros not the letter “O”.  There will be a 3% added surcharge for paying your bill by credit or debit card.  You may also get your balance from the collections department at 401-767-9274.

I received my real estate tax bill, but I pay it through my mortgage.

Most banks will get the tax bill electronically, and they do not request the bill.  You may wish to contact your mortgage escrow company to ensure that they do not need a copy of the bill.

How are excise taxes calculated?

Excise Tax is a tax on the privilege of registration per RI General Law 44-34-2.  The value is determined by the Rhode Island Vehicle Value Commission per RI General Law 44-34-11 and is based on NADA values.  The value is then reduced by the RI State exemption of $500.  The tax is calculated by multiplying the value of the vehicle by the tax rate.  The tax is then prorated on the number of days the vehicle was registered during the previous calendar year (January 1 through  December 31).

What is "hold harmless" and how is it calculated?

The amount in the hold harmless column on the motor vehicle excise tax bill is determined by a depreciation schedule put in place by the State of Rhode Island.  It is used to calculate a maximum taxable value for certain motor vehicles.  It only applies to passenger cars (type 01) which are between 6 and 17 years old.  A document explaining the calculation can be found here.

I sold my car last year, why am I still being taxed on this vehicle?

The current tax bill is for any and all vehicles registered from January 1 through December 31 of the previous year.  For example, the 2010 tax bill that you received in July of 2010 was for any and all vehicles owned from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009.

How do I appeal the value of my motor vehicle or trailer?

You have thirty (30) days from when you receive your bill to file an appeal disputing the valuation of your motor vehicle or trailer. The appeal period for 2011 is now over.   For more detailed information, see RI General Law 44-34-8 or the RI Vehicle Value Commission FAQ Package.

How do I appeal the value of my real estate or personal property?

All real estate appeals must be filed with the Assessor’s office no later than ninety (90) days after the due date of the first quarterly payment.  The appeal period for 2011 is now over.  See RI General Law 44-5-26 for details on the appeal procedure and timeline.

How do I apply for a Veteran’s Exemption?

You must have served during wartime to be eligible.  For conflicts after Vietnam, you must have served on their soil to qualify.  You must bring your DD-214 to the Assessor’s office to apply.  Most qualified conflicts are listed on the back of your tax bill and the complete list is given in RI General Laws 44-3-4 and 44-3-4.2.

How is my real estate assessed?

Every nine years is a full revaluation in which the appraisal company values each and every parcel in the city.  All real estate is measured and listed  which consists of measuring the exterior along with a full inspection of the interior.  The next full revaluation will be conducted in 2018 for tax year 2019.  Every three years a statistical revaluation is conducted.  During a statistical revaluation, all properties which sold since the previous revaluation are measured and listed and all other properties are field inspected.  The next statistical revaluation will be in 2011 for the 2012 tax year.  The city currently contracts with Vision Government Solutions for revaluation services.

2011 Tax Bill Information

Tax bills were mailed out on July 1, 2011.  They are due in four (4) quarters unless the amount is under $100.00, then the bill must be paid in full on the first quarter due date.  Quarterly due dates are July 19, 2011, October 15, 2011, January 15, 2012 and April 15, 2012.  Please use the enclosed envelopes when sending your payment and write the account number on the memo line of the check.

2011 Tax Rates

 per thousand dollars of assessed value

2011 Homestead Deduction

Residency Required

Contact Us

Email:  assessors@woonsocketri.org

Phone: (401) 767-9271 or (401) 767-9272

Fax: (401) 597-6604