Collector's Office

• Address: Town Hall 116 Main Street
  

• Contact: Town Collector
  

• Phone: (413) 538-5020

• Fax: (413) 538-7565

• Description of Services: Collection of Real Estate, Personal Property, Motor Vehicle, Boat, Excise, Sewer Use Fee, Curbside Fees.

  Tax Collector

Frequently Asked Questions

Real Estate Taxes

When are real estate property tax bills mailed and payments due?

Tax bills are mailed quarterly (four times a year).  The quarterly tax payments are due on the following dates:  August 1st, November 1st, February 1st and May 1st.  If the first falls on a weekend, the bills are due the following Monday.

Bills are based on a fiscal year which runs from July 1 through June 30.

Where should I mail my real estate tax payment?

          Please mail payment to:

          Collector of Taxes

          Town of South Hadley

          P.O. Box 1409

          Springfield, MA 01101-1409

Please make checks payable to the Town of South Hadley and mail in the envelope provided with your bill.  For proper crediting, write the map and parcel number on the check and enclose the bottom portion of your tax bill.  To obtain a receipt, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and both middle and bottom portions of the bill with payment.

If you do not have a remittance slip please mail your payment directly to Town Hall at:

          Collector

          Town of South Hadley

          116 Main Street

          South Hadley, MA 01075

Please include the address of the property you are paying, owners name and parcel ID if known. 

What methods can I use to pay my bills?

Preferred Method:  You may mail your payment coupon and a check in the envelope provided.  This will send your payment to the Town’s LockBox Vendor for automated processing. 

You can mail your payment coupon and a check to the Collector’s Office, 116 Main Street, South Hadley, MA 01075.

You can bring your payment directly to the Collector’s Office, which is always required if you are paying in cash.

Current bills can be paid on-line.  Go to:www.southhadley.org -- have your bill, checkbook or *credit card in hand -- click on the on-line link at the bottom of the South Hadley home page --complete each screen to process your payment.  It's convenient, fast and secure.

*Credit card payments will be accepted for a fee to the taxpayer which is determined and charged by the credit card company.

If you are currently using your bank’s online payment service to pay Town of South Hadley bills, please be sure to use the following information when making payment:

Real Estate Tax              Parcel I.D. and tax year

Personal Property          Bill Number and tax year

Sewer Use Fee               Account Number (10 digits starting with 01)

Landfill/Trash Fee         Account Number (10 digits starting with 02)

Excise Bills                    Bill Number and tax year

What should I do in the event I do not receive my bill?

          Call the Collector’s office at 538-5020 to obtain a copy of the bill.

If you are a new property owner and have not received your tax bill from the previous owner, you can contact the Collector’s Office for billing information.

New tax bill mailing address?

If you have a new address and want your bill mailed there as a permanent change, contact the Board of Assessor’s Office for change of address information.

What happens if I do not pay my tax bill on time?

Tax payments must be received on or before the due date to avoid

interest charges.  If payment is not made within 30 days of the original date of mailing, the account will begin to accrue interest at the rate of 14% per annum, computed from the date the bill was due.  A demand notice will be sent and a demand fee of $5.00 is charged against the account.  If the account remains outstanding 14 days after the issuance of the demand notice tax title procedures are started.

Please note that demand notices are sent only after the fourth quarter bill cycle closes.

If the account remains delinquent after June 30th of the fiscal year, a tax lien (a legal claim placed on property for debt) is placed on the property and is recorded with the Hampshire County Registry of Deeds.  In addition, the property is placed in the tax title system.  A tax lien is the first step in the foreclosure process.  All taxes, costs and interest must be paid to prevent foreclosure.

What do I need to do if my mortgage company pays my taxes?

If a bank or mortgage company escrows your taxes, it is your responsibility to make sure that they make timely payments. By law tax bills are mailed to the property owner.  Check with your bank or mortgage company to find out how they obtain tax information.  Some companies require the homeowner to mail in a copy of their bill, others obtain the information directly from the Collector’s Office.

Why should I pay interest on a late payment when I never received my tax bill?

Under state law, 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.  You can request tax information by calling the Collector’s Office at 538-5020.  However, you must call before the due date of the bill to avoid late fees.

How can I change the tax bill to my name after purchasing property?

New owners at the time of recording your deed, should be sure to request a change of address form from the Board of Assessor’s Office.

The Assessor’s Office is required by Massachusetts General Law to bill the assessed owner as of January 1, and must issue the bill of the same fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) to the owner as of January 1.

The name will change automatically on the next fiscal year bill.  If after the passage of time, the name still is not changed on the bill, please contact the Board of Assessor’s Office at 538-5027.

You can change your tax bill address however, by obtaining and filling out a change of address form through the Board of Assessor’s Office..

Who is responsible for the taxes if a property is sold after January 1st?

Although the tax bill will bear the name of the assessed owner as of January 1, the new owner is responsible for all taxes once the sale of the property is finalized.  The amount of tax owed by the old owner is determined at the time of closing and is typically deducted from the selling price.  Once this deduction is made, the new owner must pay all bills, as they become due in order to avoid collection actions, including foreclosure.  The lawyers assisting each party should already have investigated any outstanding taxes and obtained a Municipal Lien Certificate.  Once the agreement is made, the new owner is obligated to pay any outstanding taxes due on the property.

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 or to the Collector’s Office immediately as it is the new owners responsibility to make payment.

Municipal Lien Certificates

What is a Municipal Lien Certificate?

A municipal lien certificate (MLC) is a legal document that lists all taxes, assessments, sewer, trash, water and electric charges owed on a property.  These documents are usually requested by law offices in preparation of a refinance or sale of a property.

How do I get a municipal lien certificate?

A request in writing should be sent to the Collector’s Office.  Each request should include the map and parcel I.D. number for the property (which can be obtained at the Assessor’s Office) and a self-addressed stamped envelope.  The fee for each certificate is $25.00.  This applies to both residential and commercial properties.  If a property has more than one parcel of land, a certificate must be ordered for each parcel.  By law the Collector’s Office has ten days to furnish a completed MLC to the applicant.  Although the certificates are usually prepared within 3 to 4 business days, depending on how involved the request is and on peak collection times in the collector’s office, we advise that you allow 10 days when making a request.

Personal Property Bills

What is personal property?

Personal property is all tangible property other than real property, including, but not limited to: business equipment, office machinery, inventory, furniture and fixtures not located at the owner’s domicile on January 1.

Who must pay this tax?

Individuals, partnerships, associations, trusts, limited liability companies, Massachusetts business and out-of-state business corporations, limited liability companies filing federally as corporations, mutual insurance holding companies, Massachusetts and out-of-state manufacturing corporations and all other Massachusetts corporations subject to taxation under G.L. Chapter 63.

What property is taxable?

In general, all tangible personal property situated in Massachusetts and all tangible personal property owned by Massachusetts domiciliaries is taxable unless expressly exempt.  There are many exemptions, which are usually based on ownership, type of property and use of property.

When are tax bills mailed and payment due?

Personal Property tax bills are mailed quarterly at the same time as real estate bills.  The quarterly tax payments are due on the following dates:  August 1st, November 1st, February 1st and May 1st.  If the first of the month falls on a weekend, the bills are due the following Monday.

Where do I file for an abatement on real estate and personal property taxes?

All abatement information can be obtained from the Board of Assessor’s Office.

What is a Tax Title?

A tax title is a tax lien placed on a property for non-payment of taxes.  This lien is recorded at the Hampshire County Registry of Deeds.  This process then allows the Treasurer to begin foreclosure proceedings in Land Court.  Before a tax lien is placed on a property, the homeowner is notified by letter and given time to bring the taxes to a current status.  An advertising in the local newspaper is also part of the tax lien process.

SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING PROGRAM-BILLING

RULES & REGULATIONS

Who is subject to curbside pick-up fees?

All users, abutters and owners of developed property which are directly served by the Town’s private contractor for curbside refuse and recycling pick-up are subject to curbside collection fees, refuse and recycling disposal fees and solid waste management fees. Non-users are subject to landfill closure and post closure fees.

How often are bills issued for curbside rubbish pickup and what is the rate?

By vote of the Selectboard, as a result of resident’s requests, the landfill fee for curbside pick-up has been changed from once per year to a bi-annual basis (twice a year).  Bills will now be mailed in July and January.

With the re-opening of the landfill in December of 2003, the Town was able to reduce landfill charges from $85.00 per person in 2004 to $50.00 per person in Fiscal Year 2005.  The bond for the capping of the old landfill is still outstanding however, and this cost is not part of current landfill operations.

The Selectboard has voted $20.00 per person for the first Fiscal Year 2006 bill to cover the capping costs and related expenses.  If current revenues at the landfill continue, a January bill may not have to be invoiced.  In any event, the total landfill fee for FY06 will not be more than the $50.00 per person fee billed in FY05.

What time period does the bill cover?

Curbside Rubbish bills are based on a fiscal year and cover from July 1 through June 30.

What if I do not use curbside pick-up?

 If a household can provide proof that they have private service and do not use town service there will still be a charge of $20.00 per person.  This $20.00 charge is to defray the cost to the Town for the state mandated capping of the landfill. 

What is the abatement process on curbside rubbish bills?

Any requests for abatement, reclassification, or special allowances must be in writing on the form provided on the back of the bill and submitted to the Department of Public Works Business office within 30 days of the date of billing.  (DPW, 10 Industrial Drive, South Hadley, MA 01075) The town recognizes that some billing errors will be made in the normal course of the year.  Billing information on number of residents is based on the most current census information proved by the Town Clerk’s Office.

Abatements for the elderly are approved automatically for anyone who qualifies for a 41C abatement on their real estate taxes through the Board of Assessor’s Office.  The current abatement amount voted by the Selectboard is $5.00.

What happens if I do not pay my bill?

If a bill for curbside rubbish pickup remains outstanding thirty (30) days from the billing date, the Department of Public works will suspend the rubbish pickup on that property until the bill is paid in full.  If the bill remains unpaid a lien will be placed against the property and the amount due plus interest will be added to the third quarter real estate bill for that property.  Rubbish pickup will continue to be suspended until the lien is paid.

SEWER BILLS

Who is subject to sewer use fees?

All users, abutters and owners of developed property which can be directly served by a public sewer are subject to a sewer fee.

How often are sewer bills issued?

Sewer bills are issued twice a year.  The first bill is issued in April with a May due date.  The second bill is issued in October and due in November.

What time period do the bills cover?

Sewer bills are based on a fiscal year.  The bill due in November covers July 1 through December 31.  The bill due in May covers January 1 through June 30.

What is the rate for sewer bills?

          The rate for sewer use is determined based on type of service.

The current residential rate is $175.00 per EDU (Equivalent Dwelling Unit).  A single family home is charged for 1 EDU for the year.  Multifamily homes are charged 1 EDU for each unit. 

What is the abatement process for sewer bills? 

Requests must be made in writing on an approved form (found on the back of the bill) or obtained from the Collector’s or Selectboard’s Office, within 30 days of the date of billing.  The forms should be completed and filed at the Selectboard’s Office.  The Selectboard, as Sewer Commissioners, have the authority to approve or deny sewer abatements.

Abatements for the elderly on sewer bills are approved automatically for anyone that qualifies through the Board of Assessor’s Office for a 41C abatement on their real estate tax.  The current abatement amount is $25.00 and is deducted off the first bill issued which is due in November.

What happens if I do not pay my sewer bill?

Whenever a sewer bill remains outstanding after 30 days from a billing date, a penalty shall be assessed in a percentage not to exceed the interest and penalty permitted to be charged on delinquent real estate taxes.

If a sewer bill is not paid by the third quarter of the following fiscal year a lien will be issued against the real estate.

Who is responsible for payment of sewer bills?

The owner of the property will be responsible for all sewer use fees.  Sewer fees and charges not paid on or before their established due date become a lien upon the applicable real estate on the day immediately following the due day of such fees, pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 83, Section 16 through 16F inclusive.  Failure of owner to receive bill does not relieve said owner from the obligation at any time.  Change ownership should be furnished immediately to the Collector’s Office.

EXCISE BILLS

What is a motor vehicle excise tax?

It is an annual tax for the privilege of registration.  Every motor vehicle and trailer registered in Massachusetts is subject to excise tax unless expressly exempted.  Registering a motor vehicle automatically triggers an excise tax.  The city or town where the vehicle is principally garaged levies the excise annually.  The Registry of Motor Vehicles prepares data for excise bills according to the information on the motor vehicle registration and sends it to the City or Town.  Cities and Towns then prepare bills based on the excise data provided by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Who must pay excise tax?

          Excise is assessed to anyone with Massachusetts’ license plates.

What is the rate?

The rate is $25.00 per thousand.  This is the standard for the entire Commonwealth.  The valuation is based on the rates set by the state and are assessed according to manufacture’s list price.  For more information on assessed value, contact the Assessor’s office at 538-5027.

When is payment due?

Payment is due within 30 days from the date of issue.  A person who does not receive a bill is still liable for the excise tax.  Therefore, it is important to keep the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the Post Office informed of current name and address so that the excise tax bill can be delivered promptly.

What happens if my payment is late?

If an excise is not paid within 30 days from the date of issue a demand bill is sent.  The charge for a demand bill is $5.00.  Interest accrues on the overdue bill from the day after the due date until payment is received.  The interest rate on excise is 12%.  If the demand bill is not paid within 14 days, the collector may issue a warrant to the deputy tax collector.  The deputy tax collector sends the warrant notice to the taxpayer with an additional fee of $17.00.  If payment is still not received, the deputy will deliver a service warrant with an additional fee of $17.00.  All bills will clearly state the interest and penalty charges.

Never ignore an excise bill.  Bills must be paid or abated in full to avoid additional charges.  If you no longer own a vehicle or think you may be entitled to and adjustment, you should contact the Assessor’s Office at 538-5027 for further detail.  Filing for an abatement does not alter the due date or the resulting schedule of fees and interest.

How does non-payment of excise affect my license and registration?

If the service warrant demanding final payment is not paid, the deputy collector may then notify the Registry of Motor Vehicles of such non-payment.  The Registry will then mark the individual’s registration preventing the renewal of the motor vehicle registration and the owner’s driver license.  The taxpayer will then be assessed a $20.00 mark fee in addition to all other penalties and interest.  Payments on marked bills can be made at the deputy collector’s office or the collector’s office.  If paid with cash or a money order the deputy collector will clear the bill at the registry immediately upon payment.  If paid with a personal check, there is a three week waiting period before the mark will be cleared.

What should I do if I have moved out of South Hadley, out of Massachusetts or if I no longer own the car?

All questions pertaining to changes should be directed to the Board of Assessor’s Office at 538-5027.

BOAT EXCISE BILLS

What is a boat excise bill?

The boat excise is imposed for the privilege of using the waterways of the Commonwealth.

Who must pay boat excise?

          Anyone who owns such a vessel on July 1st.

What is the rate?

          The rate is $10.00 per thousand of valuation.

When is payment due?

          Payment is due sixty (60) days after the bill is due.

What happens if my bill is late?

Interest accrues on the bill and a $20.00 late penalty is added to the amount due.