Pioneer Institute Blasts Boston’s ‘Retaliation’ Tax Hikes Against Commercial Property Owners

Pioneer Institute blasts Boston’s ‘retaliation’ tax hikes against commercial property owners

Pioneer Institute’s legal arm sent a formal notice to the state Department of Revenue that asserts the City of Boston is “unlawfully retaliating” against commercial real estate owners who appeal their tax assessments by tacking on a hidden penalty. The notice sent Tuesday to DOR Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder describes a practice where the city’s assessing department “has been quietly and systematically increasing property tax assessments on comme…

Legal Group Wants Probe of Boston 'Hidden Real Estate Tax'

Boston has retaliated against commercial landlords that appeal their property tax assessments by imposing a surcharge, a legal aid group alleges.

PNELF: Boston Imposes Hidden Tax Penalty on Commercial Property Owners Who Appeal Assessments

Read the Notice Boston — June 24, 2025 — The Pioneer New England Legal Foundation (PNELF) has sent a formal notice to Massachusetts Department of Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder asserting that the City of Boston is unlawfully retaliating against commercial real estate owners who seek to challenge their tax assessments. According to PNELF, the city’s Assessing Department has been quietly and systematically increasing property tax assessments…