Print
Share page with AddThis

Real Estate Property Taxes

Tax Bills

Real Estate taxes are collected semi-annually for a Fiscal Year that begins 6 months before the calendar year. (i.e. 7/1/23 to 6/30/24 is FY 2024)

  • The first half of the tax is due November 1st (11/1), or 30 days after the mailing of the bill.
  • The second half of the tax is due May 1st (5/1), or 30 days after the mailing of the bill.
  • If a total annual tax is less than fifty dollars ($50.00) only one bill will be sent for the full amount.

Massachusetts General Law requires that the name on tax bills be the owner of the record on January 1st. If you purchase a property after the first of the year, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 978-838-2256 to have the bill directed to you. You are still responsible for real estate taxes for property that you own, regardless of the name on the bill.

Failure to receive a bill does not affect the validity of the tax or interest and penalties incurred until collected.

Payments

Payments must be received in the tax office by the due date to be considered timely. If your payment is paid after the due date interest will accrue at 14% of the remainder of the amount due. Any unpaid balances after May 1st may result in tax liens on the property. Tax liens are subject to interest at 16%.

Abatements

Application for Real Estate Property Tax Abatements must be filed by thirty days from the mailing of the first half of tax bills. The actual abatement date is shown on the bill. This application must be received by the Assessors Office by that date. For further information and proper forms, please contact the Assessor's Office at 978-838-2256.

Exemptions

If you think you qualify for an Exemption, please contact the Assessors Office at (978) 838-2256 for more information.

Refunds

Any refunds resulting from overpayment, abatement, or exemptions are made to the homeowner of record. No refund will be made if there are any other outstanding taxes.

Mortgage Companies

Tax bills, by law, are sent to the property owner as of January 1st. If your mortgage company escrows your taxes, you may have to supply them with the tax payment information.