The Town of Amherst has provided online public access to detailed property records since 2002.  Property owners were provided the ability to opt-out of having their property records shown on this system.  In 2006 the Town launched a Public GIS Viewer, which effectively replaced the online assessors database.  The Public GIS Viewer provides interactive mapping capabilities and access to property records.  All property records that were opted out of the online tax assessors database remain opted out of the Public GIS Viewer.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What kind of information is available on the Amherst GIS Viewer?
  The Public GIS Viewer provides maps and property record information that includes the Total Assessment, Sales History, Permit history and a link to a Property Record Card.  The entry point of the system is a search interface that provides the ability to search by Address and/or Parcel ID.  A search results list provides Parcel ID, Address, Alternate ID & Land Use.  Owner Names are purposely not a part of the search interface.  Owner Names are available in the Public GIS Viewer interface only via the Property Record Card and via the Sales History.
  

• What is a Property Record Card?
  Click Here for a Sample Property Record Card (PDF - 455KB)
  E-Mail the Assessors with questions about property record cards
  For the purpose of fair and equitable property tax assessment, a property record card is maintained for each property in Amherst.  The property record card includes all information specific to that property that help to determine the tax assessment.  This information includes Owner Names; Addresses; Parcel ID; Sale History; Assessment History; Permit/Improvements History; Structural Style, Condition & Features; Land Area & Use; Structural Area & Use; and a Cost/Market Valuation Analysis.  Also included are building sketches that are solely used for the purpose measuring square footage of each type of structural use (for example, the typical residential building sketch includes measurements of living space, porches/decks, unfinished space/basements & garage space).  Building sketches do not include details such as interior walls, room layouts, windows or doors.  Some property cards also include one or more building photos, which are primarily for the purpose of visually comparing similar properties.
  
• What property and GIS information have other communities in the Commonwealth made available online?
  Based upon a survey conducted in 2006, 158 communities in the Commonwealth have published their Assessor's information online. Of those 158 communities 116 of them have also published their GIS online. To view the results of the survey click here.
  

• What is an "Opt-Out" from the Amherst Public GIS Viewer?
  Property Owners may choose to "opt-out" of having their property information included on the Amherst Public GIS Viewer.  An opted-out property will still show up on the map, but the Property Record Card will not be available, nor will the Total Assessment and Sales History.  An "opted-out" property remains opted out for the duration of the current ownership.  Information for properties that have been "opted-out" will still be available at the Amherst Town Hall.
  

• Can I opt-out of having my Property Card information available online?
  Any property owner may opt out one or more of their properties.  Call 413-259-3024 to request to have a property opted out.