12 July, 2011
The Treasurer/Collector’s Office wishes to clarify the schedule and deadlines for paying real estate taxes pursuant to Chapter 60 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
The Treasurer/Collector’s Office is required to advertise in a local newspaper and post in two public places the names of property owners who have not made payment in full by the due date noted on their final real estate tax bill.
Any property owners with unpaid balances on their tax bills after May 1 will receive a Demand Notice from the Treasurer/Collector’s Office’s. In order for taxpayers to avoid having their names published, they must make or demonstrate proof of payment in full to the Treasurer/Collector’s Office within fourteen (14) days of the date of the Demand Notice.
Due to the deadlines associated with publishing in a local newspaper, the Treasurer/Collector’s Office may submit the advertisement to the newspaper immediately after the 14-day deadline has expired. Once the advertisement has been submitted for publication, the Treasurer/Collector’s Office may be unable to retract a property owner’s name from the newspaper advertisement.
Property owners are therefore encouraged to make payment in full as soon as possible after receipt of a Demand Notice.
If any property owners are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the Treasurer/Collector’s Office at 508-497-9715 to make arrangements within the deadlines as specified above.
