Legal Question in Tax Law in Massachusetts
Paying late fee when no first notice was sent
My husband and I moved into a new house in a new town in Sept of last year. We paid the first half of the real estate taxes in Jan, when a first notice was sent. This Jan notice included a stub to be returned with payment as well as a May due date for the second half of the taxes.
In late May we received a second notice from the town that included a late fee. I sent into the town offices to pay in person and was shown the May first notice that bounced back to the office because it had our previous address. I paid the bill in full, including the late fee, but emailed the town tax collector asking for clarification. I did not believe we should have to pay the late fee when we did not recieve teh May first notice. It has been over a week with no reply.
I believe that while the Jan notice included a May due date , if they extend the courtesy of a May first notice, they should extend it to all town taxpayers, not just those whose addresses they got right. I also feel that because it includes a stub to be returned with payment that I was reasonable in waiting for it to arrive.
Do I have any recourse? Its a lousey $60, but this is really pissing me off. Thanks for your thoughts.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Paying late fee when no first notice was sent
I'm not going to give you legal advice since it would cost you more than it will save you.
On a practical note, you have options available to you to avoid this in the future (Have your taxes paid by the Bank/Mortgage company - then they are responsible).
As for remedies with respect to the assessor's office, you may wish to write to your Town Manager or Selectmen to voice your complaint and concerns.
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