New tool available: calculate your household tax impact from Killam and ReCAL projects
(3-4 minute read)
As Reading prepares to vote on two major capital projects this spring - the Killam School Building and the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) - the Town has launched a Tax Impact Calculator to help residents understand how these initiatives may affect their annual property taxes.
The calculator is designed to offer transparent, personalized estimates based on your property’s assessed value. It helps answer one of the most important questions for many households: What will this actually cost me?
How to use the tax impact calculator
Step 1: Find your property value
To get started, you’ll need your property’s total assessed value (building + land).
Look it up here on the Reading Property Database.
Screenshot of the Town of Reading Property Database.
Step 2: Open the tax calculator
Visit the Town of Reading’s Tax Impact Calculator.
Once you’re there:
Enter your total property value in the “Home Value” box.
Check or uncheck which projects you’d like to see included in your estimate. For a full picture, start by selecting both Killam and ReCAL.
The table will automatically update to show:
The anticipated total cost of each project
The retiring debt from previous projects (like the high school, Wood End, and library)
Your estimated annual tax increase
Screenshot of the Town of Reading’s Tax Impact Calculator.
Examples of yearly tax impacts
These are based on current cost estimates for both the Killam and ReCAL projects:
Below average Reading home: $668,000 → estimated impact: $446.36/year
Tax impact on a home with a value of $668,000.
Average Reading home: $890,000 → estimated impact: $594.70/year
Tax impact on a home with a value of $890,000
Above average Reading home: $1,100,000 → estimated impact: $735.02/year
Tax impact on a home with a value of $1,100,000.
The final number reflects the combined yearly tax impact for both projects, based on your home’s assessed value.
About the projects
ReCAL - Reading Center for Active Living
This project would build a modern, accessible community center on Symonds Way. The new facility will house elder services, veterans services, and town-wide recreation. It replaces the aging Pleasant Street Center, originally built in 1850.
Killam School Building
Killam Elementary will be fully replaced with a new, state-of-the-art building. The current facility has never been renovated and lacks many modern features. The project is partially funded by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), which is expected to contribute over $44 million.
Why it matters
These long-term investments aim to improve education, services, and quality of life for all Reading residents. The tax calculator helps you make an informed decision as the community considers these important initiatives.
Make sure you’re ready for Town Meeting and upcoming local votes. Start by calculating your tax impact today!
