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1. What are the due dates for Real Estate Taxes?

Tax bills are issued four times a year. The quarterly tax payments are due on the following dates: August 1st; November 1st; February 1st; May 1st.

2. What if I don’t receive a Real Estate Tax Bill?

You can request a statement by calling the Collector's office at 781-275-1517.

3. What happens if I pay my Real Estate Tax late?

The interest of 14% per annum will start accruing at the close of business on the due date.

Under state law, Chapter 60, Section 3, failure to receive a bill does not affect the validity of the tax or any interest or fines incurred due to late payment(s). It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to secure his/her tax bill when one is not received.

4. How do I change the old owner’s name that appears on the Tax Bill after purchasing the property?

All changes of owner and/or address must be in writing and directed to the Assessor’s Office. This will change the mail to a portion of the bill; the permanent change will take place when the Assessor’s Office receives the deed from the Registry of Deeds.

5. What happens if there is an overpayment on my Real Estate Tax?

Overpayments will be applied to the next quarter unless it is the last quarter of the Fiscal Year. If an overpayment is made on the last quarter it will be refunded to the person or mortgage company that caused the credit balance.

6. 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 charges. If payment is not made on or before the due date, the account will begin to accrue interest at the rate of 14% per annum, computed from the date the bill was due.

10 days after a 4th quarter bill a demand notice will be sent and a demand fee is charged against the account.

If the account remains delinquent after further attempts to notify owners and collect unpaid real estate taxes, the owner's name, address and the amount owed will be advertised in the Bedford Minuteman, additional fees will be assessed and a tax lien will be placed on the property and recorded with the Registry of Deeds. A tax lien is the first step in the foreclosure process. All taxes, costs, and interest must be paid to prevent foreclosure.

7. 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.

8. How much did I pay in real estate tax last year?

You can request a statement by calling the Collector's office at 781-275-1517.