If you recently opened your revaluation notice and saw a number that surprised you, you’re not alone. Thomaston has completed its state-required revaluation for the October 1, 2025 assessment date, and every property in town now has a new assessed value. Before thinking about your next tax bill, it helps to understand what that number represents and why the town is urging residents not to calculate anything just yet.

What an assessed value actually is

An assessed value is the number the town uses to calculate your property taxes. Each property is assessed at 70% of its fair market value, as determined by a third-party contractor. These values make up Thomaston’s Grand List, which is the base for raising property tax revenue. Thomaston works with Tyler Technologies, a firm that reviews property data and market conditions to ensure assessments reflect current trends.

What the revaluation actually does

A revaluation updates assessments so each property carries its fair share of the tax burden based on the same market snapshot. Because the real estate market has shifted significantly in recent years, many homeowners will see increases in their new assessed values. But a higher assessment does not automatically mean a higher tax bill. What matters is how your property changed compared to the town as a whole — and what the new mill rate becomes once it is recalculated this spring.

Why you should hold off on calculating your taxes

The revaluation notice includes a clear reminder: “Please DO NOT use the current mill rate to calculate your taxes.” Thomaston’s current mill rate of 35.81 mills was calculated using the previous Grand List. Here is the calculation shown in the FY2026 budget document:

Source: 2025-2026 annual budget

Because the revaluation updates property values in town, the Grand List used to calculate the July 2026 tax bill will be different – at over $800,000,000 based on the list posted on the Assessor’s website. Multiplying your new assessment by 35.81 mills will almost always give an inaccurate — usually much higher — number. The new mill rate will be presented to residents as part of the spring budget process and finalized once the budget is adopted. Until then, there is no reliable way to estimate your July 2026 taxes.

Wait, what is a mill rate?

A mill rate is the tax rate the town applies to your assessed value. One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value.

Example: If the mill rate is 35.81 and your assessed value is $250,000:

250,000 ÷ 1,000 = 250
250 × 35.81 = $8,952.50

What this means for your tax bill

Your new assessment is only one part of the equation. Your July 2026 tax bill will depend on how much the town needs to raise in taxes through the upcoming budget. Generally speaking, if your assessment increased more than the town-wide average, your share of taxes may go up. If it increased less, your taxes may go down. If your change is close to the average, your bill may stay relatively consistent. However, tax bills will be affected by changes in the town’s spending needs. If spending increases, that can put upward pressure on the mill rate for all taxpayers.

How to appeal your assessment

If you have questions about your new value, there are two opportunities appeal: an informal hearing with Tyler Technologies and a formal appeal to the Board of Assessment Appeals.

Informal hearing with Tyler Technologies

These appointments are conducted by phone. Staff will review the information used to determine your value and discuss corrections to the assessment data. Property owners are asked to schedule by 4:00pm on Monday, December 8th. You can schedule online or contact the phone number listed in your mailed notice.

Formal appeal to the Board of Assessment Appeals

If you still have concerns, you may file a formal written appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals. Appeals must be received no later than February 20th 2026. The Board meets in March, and you will receive written notice of your hearing date. Any changes apply to the July 2026 tax bill.

Revaluations bring a lot of questions, but they’re only the first part of Thomaston’s budget and tax process. Over the next few months, residents will have opportunities to appeal their assessments, participate in public budget discussions, and vote on the proposed mill rate. Clocktown Chornicle will cover each stage of the process as it happens.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. For questions about your specific property assessment, please contact the Thomaston Assessor’s Office.