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1. When are real estate tax bills due?

Tax due dates are August 1, November 1, February 1 and May 1 of each year. Tax bills are mailed twice per year and each mailing contains two payment coupons. The first mailing is on July 1 and has payment coupons for preliminary taxes due on August and November 1. The second mailing is on January 1 and contains mailing coupons for the February and May 1 payments.

2. If I pay my property tax bill late will I be charged any interest and penalties?

Yes, interest is assessed at a rate of 14% per annum from the due date of the bill.

3. Is a postmark date acceptable as proof of timely payment?

No. A property tax payment mailed on or before the payment due date, but received by the collector after that date, is late and subject to interest charges because there is no statute permitting taxpayers to mail payments on or before the due date order to avoid interest as is the case with federal and state income tax statutes.

4. My mortgage company pays my tax bill. Can you bill them directly?

No. The law specifies that the bills be sent to the owner of record at the Registry of Deeds as of January 1. Often mortgages are sold or homeowners refinance the property which can result in an overdue bill. Oftentimes, mortgage companies obtain tax information electronically from the Town of Ashland. Homeowners should forward a copy of their bill to the Escrow Department of their bank/mortgage company or contact them direct to see if they are obtaining tax information electronically from the town.

5. I sold the property. Why do I still get bills in my name?

Real estate and personal property taxes are assessed to the owner of record as of January 1 of the year the taxes are assessed. For example, FY09 taxes are assessed to the owner of record as of January 1, 2008. If the property is sold, the tax bills cannot be changed until the following fiscal year.