Audit Objective
Determine whether select real property tax exemptions are properly supported by adequate documentation.
Key Findings
We reviewed 91 agricultural, veteran and senior citizen exemptions totaling $6 million, on properties with a total assessed value of $15.5 million. The Assessor:
- Granted or subsequently maintained 81 exemptions totaling $5.7 million that were not supported by adequate documentation.
- Did not periodically monitor exemptions or obtain annual renewal documentation as required, to ensure the exemptions remained 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 and retained.
Town officials agreed with our recommendations and indicated they planned to initiate corrective action.