In accordance with New Hampshire state law, recently the Town of Swanzey has updated its assessment of all real property for the 2009 tax year.

Notices containing new commercial, industrial, multi-family, mixed use and exempt parcel values were mailed during the first week in September.

Notices containing the new residential assessments were mailed in early August. Specialists from Vision Appraisal are reviewing feedback from property owners prior to finalizing these values. Residential properties include single family homes, two-family homes, three-family homes, manufactured housing, condominiums and vacant residential land.

Updated assessments will be used for calculating the final 2009 tax bill. In the interim, property owners are cautioned to NOT apply the current tax rate to their updated assessment. Doing so will result in an inaccurate calculation.

Swanzey’s updated assessment is based on 100% of the fair market value of property as of April 1, 2009, and incorporates data from sales during the past two years. The Town’s last update was in 2004. Prior to the 2009 update, studies indicated that Swanzey assessments were, on average, at 82% of market value.

The Selectmen’s Office appreciates the cooperation of the town’s property owners as officials and town staff strive to comply with state requirements and maintain fair and equitable assessments within the town.

For more information on the town’s appraisal practices, visit the Swanzey web site at www.town.swanzey.nh.us or contact the Selectmen’s Office.