What is the primary role of a Board of Taxation?

The primary role of a Board of Taxation is to hear appeals on local property tax assessments. This function is fundamental to ensuring fairness in the property tax system, as it allows property owners who believe their assessments are incorrect to challenge those assessments. The board serves as an impartial body to review the evidence presented by both the taxpayer and the local tax authorities, enabling them to make determinations based on the facts of each case.

This appeals process is essential for maintaining the integrity of the property tax system and ensuring that assessments accurately reflect property values. By providing a venue for these appeals, the board helps to mitigate disputes and fosters trust in the local tax assessment process.

The other options relate to important aspects of the taxation process but do not capture the core responsibility of the Board of Taxation. While the collection of property taxes is vital for municipalities, it falls under the purview of the local government, not the Board of Taxation itself. Determining tax rates and providing tax relief to homeowners are also critical functions, typically handled by different entities or governmental bodies, rather than the board whose focus is specifically on assessing and adjudicating property tax appeals.