Treasurer/ Tax Collector
The mission of the Treasurer/ Tax Collector is to collect and safeguard all financial assets of the Town through the use of professional accounting practices and internal controls and to ensure that the financial integrity of the Town is preserved and protected. To manage financial resources and effectively and efficiently promote prudent financial practices while providing efficient, accurate and professional tax information and services to taxpayers.
The Treasurer/Tax Collector is Responsible for the Collection of:
- Real Estate Taxes
- Personal Property Taxes
- Motor Vehicle and Boat Excise Taxes
The Treasurer/ Tax Collector’s Office is also Responsible for:
- Processing Municipal Lien Certificates
- Investment of all Town funds
- Municipal Borrowings
- Continuing collection efforts of properties in Tax Title
All Municipal Lien Certificates cost $25.00 per parcel, checks made out to “Town of Groveland”. Any requests must be made in writing, and include a self addressed stamped envelope for return service.
Payments may be sent to: Tax Collector’s Office, 183 Main Street, Groveland, MA 01834, dropped off at the town hall “security drop box” located to the right of the doors entering town hall, or personally delivered to the Tax Collector’s office during normal business hours, Monday 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Tuesday through Thursday 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M, and Fridays 8:00 P.M. – 12:00 P.M.
As part of departmental policy, the staff will perform their duties in a courteous, professional manner towards the taxpayers and the public in general.
Motor Vehicle Taxes
Every motor vehicle and trailer registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is subject to the motor vehicle excise unless expressly exempted. Registering a motor vehicle automatically triggers the assessment of excise, which is calculated at a rate of $25 per $1,000 of value. The Registry of Motor Vehicles is responsible for this valuation. Excise Tax is assessed from the 1st day of the month in which it is registered for the balance of the calendar year and on January 1 of each year thereafter. Vehicles registered during the year are issued a pro-rated excise tax bill for that year.
All of the information on your motor vehicle tax bill comes from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to the City. The vehicle owner must contact the insurance company and the Registry to make an address and any other ownership changes needed. Failure to receive a bill does not affect the validity of the tax or penalties.
New ownership or change of address can be updated at this link with the Registry of Motor Vehicles .
Excise bills are mailed to registered owners once a year in February or after a change in registration. Payments are due 30 days from the date of the issuance of the bill. After 30 days, a demand notice will be mailed adding a $25 demand fee plus accrued interest. If an excise bill remains unpaid for 14 days after the issuance of the demand, a warrant may be issued to a Deputy Collector, which will add collection fees and could end with a mark at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. This mark at the RMV will prevent the registered owner from renewing a driver’s license or registering another vehicle.
Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Payment Information
Fiscal Year: The Town of Groveland’s fiscal tax year runs July 1st – June 30th each year.
| Preliminary Tax (Estimated) | Preliminary Tax (Estimated) | Actual Taxes | Actual Taxes | |
| Due Date | August 1st | November 1st | February 1st | May 1st |
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Months Tax Covers | July, August, September | October, November, December | January, February, March | April, May, June |
The calculation of tax bills is done by the Assessor’s office. Once calculated, the Assessor’s commit the bills to the Tax Collector’s office for collection. Since the Tax Collector’s office is not involved in the assessment process, our office is not able to provide tax relief. All tax abatements and exemptions must be granted by the Assessor’s office.
Please inform the Assessor’s Office of new ownership or change of address to receive bills in a timely manner.
Preliminary Tax Bills:
The 1st and 2nd quarter tax bills are called Preliminary Bills and are based on each property’s previous fiscal year taxes including betterments, liens and assessments. These are estimated bills only.
Actual Tax Bills
The 3rd and 4th quarter tax bills are called Actual Tax Bills. These bills are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of each property by the new tax rate (set in December) minus any preliminary tax payments.
Betterments/Sewer Liens
Betterment and lien charges are assessed annually in the 3rd quarter bill. As per Massachusetts General Law, betterments and liens are considered part of your real estate tax and previous fiscal year betterment/lien payments must be included in preliminary tax calculations. Betterments and liens can affect your monthly mortgage escrow payments. Taxpayers should contact their mortgage company directly for information on their particular situation.
Late Payments
Per Massachusetts General Law, interest is charged at the rate of 14% per annum. There is NO grace period with real estate and personal property taxes. Interest is accrued beginning at midnight on each due date. Payments are considered made when received by the Tax Collector – not postmarked.
Receipts
To receive a receipt when paying by mail, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your payment. Bring your entire bill with you when paying in person.
Abatements/ Exemptions
Abatements:
- Please contact the Assessor’s office for more information or an application.
Exemptions:
- Certain property owners may qualify for an exemption on their real estate taxes. Please contact the Assessor’s office for more information or an application.
