When are tax payments due?
Preliminary tax payments were due on August 1, 2006 and November 1, 2006. The third quarter tax payment is due in the Tax Collector’s Office by Thursday, February 1, 2007. The fourth quarter tax payment is due in the Tax Collector’s Office by Tuesday, May 1, 2007. Fourth quarter bills will be mailed by April 1, 2007.

What are the penalties for late payments?
Payments received after the due date will be subject to interest at 14% per year, which accrues daily from the due date until payment is made. Timely payment (of all quarterly bills) is generally a prerequisite to preserving a property owner’s right to appeal an abatement decision of the Board of Assessors. Postmarks do not verify timely payment. So please mail your payment early to ensure on-time delivery by the Postal Service.

How and where should I send my tax payment?
Please mail your payment in the enclosed pre-addressed envelope. Enclose the tax PAYMENT COUPON with your check made payable to TOWN OF WALPOLE. Sign and date your check. Do not date the check ahead. Checks will not be held by the collector for later deposit. A postdated check processed and not honored by the bank will result in additional charges imposed by the bank and the Town. PLEASE do not enclose any other payment or any correspondence in the property tax payment envelope. Any correspondence that you may want to send to the Town should be mailed separately and addressed to the department you wish to contact. This includes correspondence to the Board of Assessors and the Tax Collector.

PAY YOUR TAX BILL ON-LINE

My taxes are held in escrow what should I do with the bill?
Send the tax payment coupon to your bank immediately. You may request the bank to make payment before the final due date.

How can I obtain a receipt for my tax payment?
Enclose the entire tax bill and a stamped self-addressed envelope with your payment.

How can I have the mailing address changed on the tax bill?
If you have a change of mailing address, do not write it on your bill. Please note your property address, the parcel number, and the old and new mailing addresses on a separate piece of paper and send it directly to: Board of Assessors Office, Attn: Address Changes, 135 School Street, Walpole, Massachusetts 02081. Sorry, the Board of Assessors cannot change the mailing address with just a telephone call.

What is an Assessment?
The assessed value (or assessment) is the value of property to be used for local taxation as determined by the Assessors through a series of market analysis according to Massachusetts General Laws and regulations set by the Commissioner of Revenue.

Why did my Assessment change?
The Assessors by state law must value all real and personal property within their communities every three years to achieve full and fair cash value assessments. The last time this was done in Walpole was for Fiscal Year 2005. In addition, beginning in FY 2006 the Assessors must adjust assessments annually to meet Department of Revenue guidelines of a minimum reassessment program.