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Local Aid and Finance Gov. signs bill extending property tax deadline
The governor late yesterday signed a bill that gives cities and towns an extra month, if necessary, to send out quarterly property tax bills.
The law extends the time for mailing fiscal 2010 actual tax bills in communities that have accepted the quarterly tax payment system, or semi-annual preliminary tax payment system, under Chapter 59, Section 57C.
The Legislature had passed the bill on Dec. 10.
The Department of Revenue has not been able to keep pace with certification responsibilities it must execute in order for local officials to set tax rates and mail out quarterly bills by Dec. 31. DOR officials say that they should be able to complete their certification process within the 30 additional days.
The bill was filed last month, when it became apparent that the tough financial situation for the state and cities and towns has led to delays that could cause time to run out for some municipalities.
The bill was supported by the MMA and the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers. Similar legislation has been enacted in past years.
The Division of Local Services today released Bulletin 2009-23B, which explains the local-option legislation.
• Download DLS Bulletin 2009-23B (40K PDF)
Local Aid and Finance Gov. signs bill extending property tax deadline
Gov. signs bill extending property tax deadline
The governor late yesterday signed a bill that gives cities and towns an extra month, if necessary, to send out quarterly property tax bills.
The law extends the time for mailing fiscal 2010 actual tax bills in communities that have accepted the quarterly tax payment system, or semi-annual preliminary tax payment system, under Chapter 59, Section 57C.
The Legislature had passed the bill on Dec. 10.
The Department of Revenue has not been able to keep pace with certification responsibilities it must execute in order for local officials to set tax rates and mail out quarterly bills by Dec. 31. DOR officials say that they should be able to complete their certification process within the 30 additional days.
The bill was filed last month, when it became apparent that the tough financial situation for the state and cities and towns has led to delays that could cause time to run out for some municipalities.
The bill was supported by the MMA and the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers. Similar legislation has been enacted in past years.
The Division of Local Services today released Bulletin 2009-23B, which explains the local-option legislation.
• Download DLS Bulletin 2009-23B (40K PDF)
Written by MMA Publications/Web Director John Ouellette
