Personal property consists of tangible, movable assets such as merchandise, furnishings, machinery, tools, animals, and equipment. The tax is primarily incurred by businesses and is assessed separately from real estate in the town where the property is situated.
The primary exemption to an individual’s personal property tax is for household furnishings and effects at the person’s domicile. This includes the personal property kept in or about the house or garage.
The Massachusetts Division of Local Services has a Frequently Asked Questions document about personal property taxes.