FAQs • Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA • CivicEngage

What happens if I don’t pay my Real Estate Tax?: Tax payments must be received on or before the due date to avoid interest and demand. If payment is not made on or before the due date the account will begin to accrue interest rate of 14% per annum, computed form the date the bill was due.
On the 4th quarter bill a demand notice will be sent and a demand fee of $5.00 is charged to the account. I the account remains delinquent the owner’s Name, Address and the amount of outstanding taxes will be advertised in the Manchester Cricket and the advertising fee will be charged to the account. If the account remains delinquent a tax lien (a legal claim on the property for debt) is placed on the property and is recorded with the Essex South Registry of Deeds. A tax lien is the first step in the foreclosure process. All taxes, interest and incidental expenses must be paid to prevent foreclosure.

▼
Real Estate Taxes

1. What are the due dates for Real Estate/Personal Property Taxes?: Tax bills are issued four times a year. The quarterly tax payments are due on the following dates: August 1; November 1; February 1; May 1.

2. What if I don’t receive a Real Estate/Personal Property Bill?: You may call the Collector’s office for a copy at 978-526-2030. Under state law, Chapter 60, Section 3, failure to receive a bill does not affect the validity either of a tax or the proceedings for its collection.

3. What happens if I pay my Taxes late?: Interest of 14% per annum will start accruing at the close of business on the due date.

4. Are postmark dates accepted?: No, payments must be received by close of business on the due date to be considered timely. Online payments made by 11:59pm on the due date will also be considered timely.

5. Where do I mail my Tax payment?: You have three options: 1. You can send it to our lockbox by using the envelope enclosed. 2. You can personally come into the Town Hall and pay your bill or 3. You can pay online on our

6. How do I change the old owner’s name that appears on the Tax Bill, after purchase of the property?: All change of addresses must be made with the Assessor’s office.

8. What happens if there is an overpayment on my Tax bill?: Overpayments will be applied to the next quarter unless it is the last quarter of the fiscal year. Overpayment will be refunded to the assessed owner.

9. What happens if I don’t pay my Real Estate Tax?: Tax payments must be received on or before the due date to avoid interest and demand. If payment is not made on or before the due date the account will begin to accrue interest rate of 14% per annum, computed form the date the bill was due.
On the 4th quarter bill a demand notice will be sent and a demand fee of $5.00 is charged to the account. I the account remains delinquent the owner’s Name, Address and the amount of outstanding taxes will be advertised in the Manchester Cricket and the advertising fee will be charged to the account. If the account remains delinquent a tax lien (a legal claim on the property for debt) is placed on the property and is recorded with the Essex South Registry of Deeds. A tax lien is the first step in the foreclosure process. All taxes, interest and incidental expenses must be paid to prevent foreclosure.

10. What happens if I don't pay my Personal Property Tax?: Assessed owners of personal property bills will receive a warrant issued by the Deputy Collector and additional fees will be added to the bill if the demand bill is not paid by the due date.

11. What should I do if I recently sold my property, but I am still receiving a tax bill?: If you receive a bill, please forward it to the new owner immediately as it is his/her responsibility to make payment.

12. What if I am buying a condominium that is in the middle of a conversion?: Until the conversion is completed, the property is recognized as just one parcel. There is one bill for all units and it is between you and all the other unit owners how the real estate bill is divided.