Audit Objective
Determine whether select real property tax exemptions are properly supported by adequate documentation.
Key Findings
We reviewed 58 out of 765 agricultural, veteran and senior citizen exemptions, totaling $2.9 million, on properties with a total assessed value of $7.7 million. The Assessors:
- Granted or subsequently maintained 20 exemptions totaling over $1.4 million that were not properly supported by adequate documentation.
- Did not periodically monitor exemptions or obtain annual renewal documentation as required, to ensure the exemptions were in compliance with State or local laws.
Key Recommendations
- Ensure all applicants provide adequate supporting documentation before granting exemptions and then retain this documentation.
- Periodically monitor exemptions and ensure annual renewal documentation is provided when required.
Town officials generally agreed with our findings. Appendix C includes our comment on issues raised in the Town’s response letter.