EASTHAMPTON — An average homeowner in the city can expect to pay about $185 more in property taxes this year.

The increase reflects both a higher tax rate and higher property values this year, which city officials say was expected amid current national trends.

In November, the City Council voted to continue with a single tax rate for all residential and commercial properties, which has been set at $13.67 per $1,000 of assessed property value, up 11 cents from the fiscal year 2024 rate of $13.56 per $1,000.

The increase in the tax rate also comes with an increase in Easthampton’s property values, analyzed through a review of 140 arms-length sales between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2023. Residential property values increased by 3.4%, commercial property values increased by 10.7%, and industrial property values increased by 1.8%.

Among residential properties, single-family home values increased by 2.9% whereas condominium values increased by 6.4%, according to data from the city assessor’s office.

The average single-family home value in Easthampton for fiscal year 2025 is valued at $391,615. That translates into an annual property tax bill of approximately $5,350 — about $184 higher than last year, when the average single-family home value was $381,001.

According to Easthampton Principal Assessor Martha Leamy, these increases were expected, as they are in keeping with national trends surrounding rising housing costs.

Leamy said there are some exemptions made available to communities by the state for older adults who may have difficulties bridging the gap with these increases — such as needs-based senior exemptions and veterans exemptions — but that their strict requirements severely limit their availability to many community members.

The city mailed actual tax bills around Dec. 30, 2024. The fiscal year runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, containing four quarters. Actual tax bills include value changes due to the market, building permits, sales review and cyclical inspections. The new tax rate set in December is used to factor the tax amounts.

The mailing of the actual tax bill beginning this fiscal year contains only the third quarter and has a due date of Feb. 3, 2025.

The fourth quarter will be mailed in March with a due date of May 1, 2025.

For questions about tax payments, contact the City Collector’s Office at 413-529-1400, ext. 414 or collections@easthamptonma.gov.

If property owners believe an assessment is incorrect, after the receipt of third quarter tax bills, they can file an abatement application with the Assessor’s Office. Once third quarter tax bills are received, the abatement application is due by 5 p.m. on the due date of the third quarter tax bill, or Feb. 3, 2025.

To obtain an application, call the Assessor’s Office at 413-529-1400, ext. 401 or go to the assessor’s page on the city website at easthamptonma.gov. For questions regarding the assessed value of real or personal property, contact the Assessor’s Office at 413-529-1400, ext. 401 or assessor@easthamptonma.gov.

Alexa Lewis can be reached at alewis@gazettenet.com.