Chapter 61 is a voluntary current use program designed by the Massachusetts Legislature to tax real property in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at its resources value rather than its highest and best use (development) value.
The tax reduction is based upon the market value of the potential forestry products the land can produce.
[2] The property for agricultural use must be at least 5 acres, and the reduction in tax is based on the market value of farm products the land can support.
The land may also be used for forestland, but, if so, the landowner must produce a 10-year forest management plan.
The tax reduction is 75% of its assessed value, and working with forest management is optional.