About MAAO

The Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers (MAAO) is a statewide organization of 1,400 professionals dedicated to providing local communities with accurate and reliable information upon which to manage finances.

In good times and challenging times, Assessors make a difference by bringing experience, attention to detail and revenue management skills to municipal finances, enabling city and town officials to deliver budgets on time.  Assessors in Massachusetts work closely with mayors, town administrators, boards of assessors, and finance professionals, as well as state officials.

Two-thirds of Assessors are elected[1] to their positions.  As well, in many assessing offices there are locally appointed professionals.  Whether elected or appointed, the Assessor’s office provides critical services necessary for the municipality to properly serve its taxpayers.

The purpose of this organization is to educate the Assessing Officers of Massachusetts and their assistants in the field of assessing in this State; to assist in creating efficient and uniform administration of local tax laws; to afford opportunity for the discussion of subjects pertaining to local taxation; to provide methods for encouraging the development of desirable tax laws and to discourage the adoption of harmful measures relating to taxation or to the duties of local taxing officials; and to promote public understanding of the work of Assessing Officials on their behalf to the general public.

MAAO’s is committed to providing continuing education and certification for assessing officials, which coincides with our mission to ensure Massachusetts maintains a well-trained pool of assessing professionals.  The Association provides educational opportunities to its members throughout the year at conferences and workshops on pertinent timely topics to assist them in having the most up to date information.  As well, the Association produces a quarterly Newsletter. 

The professional designation program was developed to promote and display a level of professionalism acquired through a wide-ranging series of educational requirements and experience in the field of Assessing.  The program confers three designations (MAA, RMA & CMA) that indicate the commitment of the recipients to adhere to the high standards of professional practices developed by the MAAO. 

[1]Massachusetts DOR,-DLS, City and Town, July 2014