52 STATION BULLETIN 346 



chang-ed less than 18 percent in either case. The number of cows 

 dropped from 86,438 head in 1914 to 69,617 head in 1939, a decline of 

 approximately 20 percent, whereas the value per head was $10 great- 

 er in the latter year. Sheep and hogs reached a maximum valuation 

 in 1919, but have since declined to less than one-fourth of that value. 

 The number in each case has shrunk to considerably less than one- 

 half. 



Appendix 6 contains greater detail concerning the kinds of prop- 

 erty subject to local taxation and concerning the exemptions for each 

 class as permitted by the statutes. 



Appraisal and Equalization 



In general, the appraisal or assessment of property for purposes 

 of taxation is a function of the town. The state tax commission, how- 

 ever, is responsible for general supervision over the administration of 

 the assessment and taxation laws of the state and over all assessing 

 officers. Furthermore, the commission is required to appraise the 

 property of railroads and public utilities, except the buildings of tele- 

 l)hone and telegraph companies. The taxation of property appraised 

 by the state is covered in some detail later. All other taxable property 

 is appraised and taxed locally. All locally assessed real estate is 

 taxed where it is located regardless of the owner's residence. 



The town "inventory" is the classified list of all locally taxable 

 property with values attached. The selectmen of each town (and as- 

 sessors of cities) are required during the month of April to compile 

 such a list after taking an invoice of all the estates existing on April 

 1 which are subject to taxation as determined by the general court. ^^ 

 Accordingly, before March 20 of each year, selectmen distribute in- 

 \ entory blanks to all persons taxable for real or personal estate. These 

 blanks call for a description of all real estate, the amount of personal 

 taxable property, and a list of the shares of stock in railroads operat- 

 ing within the state. In addition to giving a brief description of real 

 estate, all owners are required to report any additions or alterations 

 since April 1 of the previous year. These invoices must be returned 

 to the selectmen by April 15. Upon the return of such inventories, 

 the selectmen place a valuation upon the property. 



The selectmen, not later than the second Monday of April, post 

 notices of the times and places where they will receive inventories 

 from the public and hear grievances. If the complainant fails to get 

 satisfactory adjustment of his assessment at the hands of the select- 

 men he has the privilege of filing his complaint with the state tax 

 commission. This body has power to order, or make, a reassessment. 



Statutes require that "The selectmen shall appraise all taxable 

 property at its full and true value in money as they would appraise 

 the same in payment of a just debt due from a solvent debtor, and 

 shall receive and consider all evidence that may be submitted to them 

 relative to the value of property the value of which cannot be deter- 

 mined by ])ersonal examination." "^o The selectmen's usual interpre- 



=^ Revised Laws, 1941. Chapter 75, Section 1. 

 ♦"Revised Laws, 1941, Chapter 76, Section 1. 



