Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t think my tax bill is correct, what should I do?
You have 30 days from the date of issue of the first actual tax bill and/or Personal Property tax bill (November 1st or First Half due date) to file for an abatement with the Board of Assessors.
I mailed my payment from the Post Office at midnight on the due date; why do I have to pay interest?
The Town uses the date the bill is received, not postmarked, as stated on the back of the tax bill.
I did not receive a tax bill; do I have to pay a penalty and interest?
Yes; State Law requires that failing to send or receive a tax bill does not affect the validity of the tax, penalty, or interest.
My Real Estate taxes are paid by my mortgage company, why am I getting the tax bill?
M.G.L. Chapter 60 Section 3 requires all tax bills to be mailed to the owner of the property. This provides the property owner with an opportunity to review the information on the bill, check the assessed value, and the amount of the taxes. If you feel there is a problem with any of these items, you may contact the Board of Assessors and discuss with them.
How does my mortgage company know how much to pay?
Most banks and mortgage companies use a tax service to gather the information about their accounts or they contact the Town directly for the information. If you have concerns about this, contact the bank or mortgage company directly to find out how they collect the information and if they need additional information from you.
I am the new owner of the property, why is the prior owner’s name still on the Real Estate bill?
M.G.L. Chapter 59 Section 11 states that the name of the owner of record as of January 1 will appear on the tax bill for the next fiscal year (two bills per fiscal year). Although your name is in the care-of line, you are the owner and are responsible for the property.
I received a Personal Property tax bill but no longer own the business or closed the business; or I am no longer a second home owner; who should I contact?
The assessment date for the Fiscal Year on Personal Property is the January 1st preceding the start of the Fiscal Year. Each business and second homeowner is assessed based on their status on the assessment date. Thus any business that existed on January 1st or property owner of record as of January 1st would be billed for the entire coming Fiscal Year. This applies to businesses that have closed or relocated during the year so that any business that closed or relocated after Jan 1st will still be billed for the entire Fiscal Year.
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Questions
What is motor vehicle excise tax?
Every motor vehicle and trailer registered in Massachusetts is subject to excise tax unless expressly exempted. Registering a motor vehicle automatically triggers an excise tax. The Registry of Motor Vehicles prepares data for excise bills according to the information on the motor vehicle registration. Towns then prepare and send the bills based on the excise data provided by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. For more information, please click here.
What is the excise tax rate?
The rate is $25.00 per thousand dollars of value. This is the Motor Vehicle Excise tax rate for the entire Commonwealth. The valuation is based on the rates set by the state and are assessed according to the manufacturer’s list price. For more information, please click here.
When is payment due?
Payment of the motor vehicle excise is due 30 days from the date the excise bill is issued. According to M.G.L. Chapter 60A Section 2, “Failure to receive notice shall not affect the validity of the excise”. A person who does not receive a bill is still liable for the excise tax. Therefore, it is important to keep the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the Post Office informed of the current name and address so that the excise tax bill can be delivered promptly.
I received an excise tax on a car I no longer own. How do I get an adjustment on this bill?
Whether you’ve sold, traded, or junked a vehicle, you must pay the excise tax bill in full by the due date. You must complete the form on the back of the bill, or an abatement application (available on the web) and forward with the required paperwork to the Assessors’ Office. If you are entitled to an abatement, you will receive a refund check after the abatement application has been submitted by you and the application has been approved by the Board of Assessors. Please contact the Assessors’ Office with additional questions.
How do I change my address?
In order to change your address you must notify the Registry of Motor Vehicles or your Insurance Company. This is the taxpayer’s responsibility. The Town cannot change your address.