Medford Property Tax Records

Medford property tax records cover assessments, ownership, exemptions, CPA surcharges, and tax bills for all parcels in the city. The Medford Assessors Office maintains these records and provides public access through an online database powered by Vision Government Solutions. Middlesex South Registry of Deeds holds the deed and land records. This page walks through how to search, understand, and pay property taxes in Medford.

Medford Property Tax Search

The primary search tool for Medford property tax records is the Vision Government Solutions (VGSI) database. This site lets you search by address, owner name, or parcel ID. Results include the assessed value, lot and building details, sale history, and current tax data. You can also view property record cards that show how the assessors arrived at the value. The tool is free and does not require a login. Data reflects the current fiscal year.

Below is a screenshot of the Medford VGSI property search portal, where you can look up any parcel in the city.

The VGSI system also has a map view that shows parcel boundaries and lets you click directly on a lot to pull up its data.

Medford's FY2026 residential tax rate is $8.63 per $1,000 of assessed value. This is one of the lower residential rates among cities in the greater Boston area. The commercial rate is $16.68. Under MGL c. 59, §38, the assessors must set all property values at full and fair cash value based on conditions as of January 1. Medford reviews every property on a cyclical basis and adjusts values each year to reflect market changes. Sales data, building permits, and property inspections all feed into the valuation process.

The statewide MassGIS Interactive Property Map includes Medford parcels as well. This can be a useful cross-reference if you want to compare assessed values across neighboring cities or need a different map view.

Medford Assessors Office

The Medford Assessors Office is at City Hall, Room 109, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA 02155. The phone number is (781) 393-2435. The office handles all property valuations, exemption processing, and abatement requests. If you have questions about your assessed value or need help understanding your tax bill, this is the place to start. Staff can walk you through the valuation process and explain what data they used.

Medford adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in 2015 with a 1.5% surcharge on property tax bills. The first $100,000 of assessed value is exempt for residential properties. So the CPA surcharge only applies to the amount above $100,000. CPA funds go toward open space, historic preservation, affordable housing, and recreation in the city. The surcharge shows up as a separate line item on your tax bill. It is not part of the base tax rate.

The assessors office sends valuation notices before the fiscal year begins. If you see an error in your property data, contact the office right away. Errors in square footage, lot size, or building condition can affect your assessed value. Fixing these early is easier than going through the formal abatement process. The office maintains detailed property record cards for every parcel, and you can request a copy of yours.

Medford Tax Exemptions

Medford provides property tax exemptions for seniors, veterans, blind residents, and surviving spouses. The Clause 41C senior exemption can lower your bill by $1,000 or more. You must be 65 or older and meet income and asset requirements. Veteran exemptions vary from $400 up to a complete waiver based on disability status. Blind property owners can receive $500 to $850 in relief. Surviving spouses may qualify for $234.50 or more. Applications go to the assessors office by April 1. You must reapply each year.

The state's Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit is also an option for Medford residents aged 65 and older. This credit is worth up to $2,820 and is claimed on your Massachusetts income tax return. It does not go through the city. Under MGL c. 59, §5, all available exemptions are listed in state law with their specific rules. The assessors office keeps copies of all exemption forms and can help you determine which ones apply to your situation.

Medford also offers a senior tax deferral program. Homeowners aged 60 or older can defer all or part of their property tax bill. The deferred amount becomes a lien on the property and is paid back when the home is sold or transferred. Interest accrues on the deferred balance at a rate set by the state. This is much lower than the 14% penalty rate for late payments. The program helps seniors on fixed incomes keep their homes without accumulating penalties.

Paying Medford Property Taxes

Medford property taxes are billed quarterly with due dates on August 1, November 1, February 1, and May 1. Late payments incur 14% annual interest from the due date. You can pay online through the Medford city website. In-person payments are accepted at City Hall, Room 108. You can also mail payments to the Treasurer/Collector at 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA 02155. Online payments by credit card typically have a convenience fee. E-check payments may be available at a lower cost.

To appeal your assessment, file Form ABT with the assessors office. The filing window is generally within 30 days of the third-quarter bill mailing. If the assessors deny your abatement, you can appeal to the Appellate Tax Board. Under MGL c. 59, §21C, Proposition 2 1/2 limits the total tax levy increase to 2.5% per year. This means Medford's total property tax collection cannot jump more than 2.5% annually unless voters approve an override or the city adds new growth from construction and development.

Middlesex South Registry of Deeds

Deed records for Medford are filed at the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds in Cambridge. The registry records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land documents. You can search records online at massrods.com. The online system covers records from recent decades forward. Viewing is free. Certified copies require a fee. When a Medford property changes hands, the new deed is recorded here, and the assessors office updates ownership accordingly.

Deed records and property tax records work together. The registry shows who owns a property and when it last sold. The assessors database shows what it is worth and how much tax is owed. If you are doing a full property search in Medford, checking both systems gives the most complete picture. The registry also records homestead declarations, which cost $35 and protect home equity from certain creditor claims.

Nearby Cities

Nearby cities with their own property tax record pages and local assessment information.

Middlesex County Resources

Medford is in Middlesex County. The county page covers both the North and South registries, assessment practices, and property tax tools across the county.