Tax Collector

Real Estate bills are due October 1 and April 1st. Tax payments are considered late if they are not in the building by 5:00 of the due date. Postmarks are not accepted. Payments can be left in the black locked box outside the building on the porch of 3 South Main Street, or in the tan box outside the collector’s office door.

If not paid on time, a demand notice will be sent out. There’s no grace period, so to pay the correct amount after these dates, contact the Tax Collector to find out what is owed.

The late charge and interest are required by Massachusetts General Law, and are not negotiable or adjustable. Massachusetts general law requires property tax bills are sent to the owner of record as of the January 1st date immediately preceding the start of the fiscal year.  Hence, if you purchased your property after January 1st, the tax bill will be in the previous owner’s name. The Assessor’s office will add an “in care of” line in the new owners name if notified in writing, so that the post office will deliver the bill. If you are a new property owner, you may contact the Collector’s office if you do not receive your tax bill.

Real Estate Late Payments
Tax payments must be received on or before the due date to avoid interest and late charges. Postmarks are not accepted and do not verify timely payment. If payment is not made by the due date, interest will accrue at the rate of 14% per annum, computed from the date the bill was due. There is a locked box outside the building that payments can be left in any time. If you need a receipt, please include a self addressed envelope. 

Real Estate Preliminary Bills Mailed
The first bill that is due October 1st is called a “preliminary bill” and is based on the assessment information from the preceding year. This bill is mailed out the end of June and is due October 1st.

Actual Tax Bills
The second half which is due April 1 is called the “actual” bill, as this bill is issued to property owners based on the final tax rate and updated assessments for the fiscal year.  These bills are mailed out the end of December and due April 1st.

What do I do if I haven’t received a tax bill?
If you are a property owner in Petersham and have not received a tax bill, please call (978) 724-6620 or email me at petershamtax@verizon.net. Taxes are due in a schedule defined by law, as are interest and fees, regardless of whether the bill is received by the owner.

Residents who own and register a motor vehicle must annually pay a motor vehicle excise. The excise is levied by the town where the vehicle is principally garaged.

Never Ignore an Excise Bill! Residents who own and register a motor vehicle must annually pay a motor vehicle excise. The excise is levied by the town where the vehicle is principally garaged. Bills must be paid or abated in full to avoid additional fees (partial payments are not accepted).  If you no longer own vehicle or think you may be entitled to an adjustment, you should contact the Assessor’s Office at (978) 724-6658 for further details.

Payment of the motor vehicle excise is due 30 days from the date the excise bill is issued. If not paid when due, it is subject to penalties of interest, demand, charges and fees. A person who does not receive a bill is still liable for the excise plus any interest charges accrued. Therefore it is important to keep the Registry informed of current name and address changes so that excise bills can be promptly delivered.

How do I make a late motor vehicle excise payment?
Contact Jeffery & Jeffery at 413-967-9941.

Description	Cost
Municipal Lien certificate per parcel	$25
Research fee per parcel	$2