Press release from the Town of Sheffield:
Sheffield — The Town of Sheffield third quarter tax bills for 2026 were sent out at the end of December. The principal assessor and the tax collector are both working with new software, and some of the bills may have some idiosyncrasies that bear explanation, but also may contain errors. There is a clear process that needs to be followed by a taxpayer if they feel their bill is wrong. Most importantly, if a taxpayer has concerns that their bill is inaccurate, they need to file a request for abatement by February 2 in accordance with state law. This form can be found on the town’s website under the list of forms in the tax assessor’s page, and copies of the form are also available at Town Hall and the Senior Center.
Many land and building valuations have gone up, which is why the tax rate has decreased from last year. Although, unfortunately, the old tax rate is still listed on the form, adding to the confusion. The current tax rate is 11.82. Additionally, for those with outbuildings, the total value includes the assessed value of outbuildings, which unfortunately are not listed on the bill, which means the building and land value numbers do not add up to the total value for the property. There may be other anomalies on the bills, and if one finds something that does not make sense, they should come in before the deadline for the abatement to register their issue and file for an abatement.
Residents may believe that their bills are higher due to the vote on funding for the new highway garage and the repair of the Kellogg Road Bridge, but these expenses are not a part of this tax bill. The bridge funding will not impact taxes as the money was taken out of funds already on hand, and the town garage bond will not become a part of taxes until the bond is put in place after the building of the town garage. The Community Preservation Act tax is a part of bills for the third and fourth quarter, but this sits as a separate line item on the bill.
If one has a question about the valuations of their property, they should reach out to Tammy Blackwell at (413) 229-7000, ext. 155. If they have questions relating to the Community Preservation Act fee or their total tax bill, they can reach out to Monique Belair at (413) 229-7000, ext. 153.
We are sorry for any confusion and inconvenience this may cause, and people are on hand in Town Hall to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your attention and patience with us on this matter.
