Equalized Valuation

Equalized Valuation (EQV) is the total taxable base for a Massachusetts municipality.

Equalized Valuation is proposed by local assessors and approved at the state level.  It includes property in these categories:

  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Industrial
  • Personal

A municipality with a higher equalized valuation can more easily raise taxes for public purposes, especially if its EQV per capita ratio is higher.  A municipality cannot borrow more than 5% of its EQV.  For example, if a town’s EQV is $10 billion, then it’s maximum debt is $500 million.

What increases a town’s EQV?

  • New development
  • Increasing demand for property in the town (which drives up land and asset prices)

Select a town and see how it’s EQV has changed over the last 15 years and how it’s EQV per capita compares with other municipalities.