Tax Assessor - FAQ's
Q. How do I change my address?A. To change the address at which you receive your tax bill, please take a ‘change of address form’ (in "PDF" format) located in the office of the Tax Assessor or download and print the form from this online website, and bring the form into the office. This form will allow you to change your address for real estate tax, motor vehicle tax, or both.
Q. How are Records of Past Property Transactions kept?
A. The Assessor’s office keeps a variety of records on past transactions involving properties located in the city, including the chain of title, record of transfers and dropped lot cards. Chain of title records trace the ownership of a given property as far back as the 1800’s, depending on the property. Record of transfer cards provide the same information as chain of title cards, except that they also include the sale price on each transaction. Dropped lot cards are simply the chain of title cards for lots that are no longer part of the Assessor’s map, for example, if two or more lots are merged together to form a single lot, or visa versa. To access these records, please visit the office of the Tax Assessor and ask a clerk for assistance.
Q. What are Property Record Cards and Summary Record Cards?
A. Property Record Cards and Summary Record Cards provide basic information on a given property. To obtain and/or print a field card or a summary record card please visit the office of the Tax Assessor.
Q. What are Tangible Taxes?
A. Tangible taxes are assessed on the physical assets and inventory of businesses. The Assessor’s Office must be notified in writing whenever a business is closed, sold, or renamed, in order to ensure that the tax bill is accurate. Please include the nature of the transaction, the date it went through and the current name and address of the company (if applicable). For any questions, call or visit the office of the Tax Assessor.
Q. What are the different exemptions?
A. The Assessor’s office offers a variety of tax exemptions to those who qualify. Recipients must be residents of Providence. The application deadline is March 15th prior to the annual billing cycle. Applications can be filed with a clerk at the counter, and some are available online to be downloaded and printed out. The basic requirements for each category are as follows:
Homestead: applicants must own and reside in their home as of December 31st of the previous year; this is also available for non-owner occupied residences at a lower rate.
Veterans: honorably discharged from recognized conflicts, Widow of Veterans, Gold Star Parents.
Elderly: 65 years of age before December 31st of the previous year, or 62 years of age before December 31st and receiving Social Security. Real Estate Only
Disability: certified 100% disabled according to Social Security, and ownership and residence of property for three years prior to December 31st of the previous year. Real Estate Only
V.A. Disability: 100% service-connected disability certified by the Veteran’s Administration.
Blind: must be certified legally blind by a physician.
Paraplegic: paperwork verifying that applicant’s housing is assisted by the Veteran’s Administration.
Tax Freeze: households earning less than $25K annually may have Real Estate taxes limited to a 5.5% annual increase.
Handicapped: for vehicles specially adapted to meet the needs of handicapped persons. Motor Vehicle Only
Infirmity/Poverty: those judged by the Assessor’s office to be unable to pay because of infirmity or poverty, as per Rhode Island General Law 44-3-3(16).
Q. Where can I find Excise (Motor Vehicle) Tax Information?
A. Motor vehicle tax rolls as far back as 1996 can be found in book form in the office of the Tax Assessor. These books provide the following information: account name and number, mailing address, when the car was registered, the value of exemptions, the total taxes charged for that year, and the make, year, I.D. number, registration number and value of the car. For any further questions please call or visit the office of the Tax Assessor.
