Watertown Assessor Seeking Out Property Tax Cheaters

If you are getting the residential discount on Watertown property taxes but do not live there, beware – town officials are out to find you and make sure you pay the full bill.

Francis Golden, the chairman of Watertown Board of Assesors, told the Town Council this week, that he is committed to make sure that people getting the residential exemption – a 20 percent discount – live in the home or condo which they own.

is $14.40 per $1,000 of assessed value, which means the bill on the average home (assessed at $410,554), would be $4,730 with the 20 percent discount, and $5,912 without.

Sometimes people rent out their property, but live in another community, Golden said.

"I love catching people trying to double up (on residential exemptions)," Golden said. "You can only get one exemption, and that is in the community you live in."

Some residents come to Golden complaining that people don't live on their property, yet get the discount. Golden said the standard is high to get the discount.

"We have a service, and they check six identifications to make sure they live in the property," Golden said.