Description of Services

The Tax Collector collects all Real Estate and Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes. 

• Real Estate taxes are committed to the Tax Collector from the Assessors through the Warrant.  Real Estate tax bills are issued Quarterly (4 times per year), and are due August 1, November 1, February 1 and May 1 for that fiscal year.  After May 1st every year, Demand Bills are issued for unpaid Real Estate Taxes, giving the taxpayers an additional 14 days to pay. After several weeks, a letter is sent to the Taxpayer notifying them of Overdue Tax, and if it is not paid the Town will implement Tax Title Procedures. The Tax Lien is then advertised.  Up until the lien is advertised, the taxpayer can come in to the Tax Collector and set up a Payment Plan. If the tax is not paid in full by the date specified in the advertisement, the lien process will continue.  After the lien is advertised (public notice) as required, the Tax Collector records the Lien at the Registry of Deeds, and the property is then in Tax Title.  (The Tax Title Attorney will look for a mortgage on the property, and notify the mortgage company (other lienholders), if any, that there is a problem.  The taxpayer can can come in to the Treasurer's Office and set up a Payment Plan any time, but the Lien will remain on the property until the tax delinquency is paid in full.  The lien includes charges, interest, Land Court fees, and all attorney's fees as well.)

• Motor Vehicle Excise tax information is sent from the Registry of Motor Vehicles to the Tax Collector on tape, and the Tax Collector creates, prints and mails the bills.  Motor Vehicle Excise bills are due 30 days from the date of mailing.  If not paid, the Tax Collector issues a Demand Bill, which includes a $5 charge and interest at the rate of 12% (these charges are mandated by the Department of Revenue).  

The Treasurer keeps track of monies coming in to the Town, and paid out by the Town.

• The Treasurer is responsible for monitoring all receipts from the various Town departments,  pays the bills weekly, and monitors  the bank balances.  At the end of each month, the Treasurer must balance all accounts with the Town Accountant.  With the advice of a Financial Adviser, the Treasurer invests surplus funds when possible, and borrows funds when needed.

Contact Information

Additional Information

Tax Collector Term:

       A Tax Collector, elected for a three year term.  (Ref: Charter, Section 3-5)

Treasurer:  

       The Tax Collector shall act as the Treasurer, with approval of the Board of Selectmen.   (Ref: General By-Laws, Section 119-1)