Revaluation Update - October 2026
Tax Commitment Expected in Mid-November
As Sandy River Plantation moves through the final stages of the 2026 revaluation, the Plantation expects to commit taxes in mid-November, approximately two weeks later than originally anticipated.
The additional time will allow for final revaluation work and data entry to be completed and will provide property owners time to receive and review their new value/estimated tax notices before the tax commitment is finalized.
Property owners will also have an opportunity to meet with the assessing team to ask questions, verify property information, and discuss their new values before final assessments are committed.
This short delay does not change the purpose of the revaluation or the amount of taxes to be raised. It allows time to complete the process carefully and provide property owners an opportunity for review.
Additional information regarding the notices and meeting dates will be shared as soon as it is available.
Understanding the Sandy River Plantation Revaluation
Sandy River Plantation is conducting a town-wide property revaluation that will affect property assessments used to calculate the November 2026 tax bills.
Current assessed values are approximately 59% of market value, meaning many assessments no longer reflect current market conditions and may not be applied consistently across all properties.
What is a Revaluation?
A revaluation is the process of updating all property assessments to reflect current market value, ensuring that property taxes are distributed fairly and equitably among property owners.
A revaluation is revenue neutral. It does not automatically increase the amount of property tax revenue collected by the town. Instead, it adjusts how the tax burden is distributed based on updated property values.
Why This Matters
Property values do not change at the same rate over time.
When assessments become outdated:
- Some properties may be assessed below market value.
- Some properties may be assessed above market value.
- Tax burdens may no longer be distributed fairly among property owners.
A revaluation helps ensure that each property owner pays their appropriate share of the tax levy based on current market conditions.
It also helps ensure that property tax exemptions and other assessment-related programs are administered accurately and consistently.
What to Expect
Property Review
Property records will be reviewed and may include field inspections or site visits to verify property characteristics and ensure assessment accuracy.
Timeline
The revaluation is now in its final stages. Final revaluation work and data entry are being completed, followed by the mailing of new value/estimated tax notices and opportunities for property owners to meet with the assessing team.
The Plantation currently expects to commit taxes in mid-November 2026, with the updated values reflected on the 2026 property tax bills.
Your Assessment
Before the tax commitment is finalized, property owners will receive a new value/estimated tax notice showing their updated assessment.
Property owners will have an opportunity to review the information and meet with the assessing team to ask questions, verify property information, and discuss their new value. Details regarding meeting dates and scheduling will be provided with the notices and/or announced by the Plantation.
How This Affects Your Taxes
A revaluation does not determine how much money the town raises in taxes.
The total amount of property taxes collected is determined through the annual municipal budgeting process.
As property values increase, the tax rate generally decreases to offset the higher assessments. After a revaluation:
- Some property tax bills may increase.
- Some property tax bills may decrease.
- Some property tax bills may remain relatively unchanged.
The impact on any individual property depends on how its value changes relative to other properties in Sandy River Plantation.
Common Questions
Will my taxes go up?
Not necessarily. Whether your tax bill increases, decreases, or remains about the same depends on how your property's value changes compared to other properties throughout the town.
Can I question my assessment?
Yes. Property owners will have an opportunity to review their assessment and discuss any concerns with the assessing staff.
Do I have to allow a property inspection?
No. However, access to accurate property information helps ensure that assessments are as fair and accurate as possible.
Questions?
We encourage residents to contact the town with any questions about the revaluation process.
Additional updates will be shared through the town website, social media channels, and public notices.