Why is the former owner’s name still on my tax bill?

This often confuses new owners, but Chapter 59, Section 11, of the Massachusetts General Law reads, "Taxes on real estate shall be assessed, in the town where it lies, to the person who is the owner on January first......." The tax bill will carry the January 1st owner(s) name throughout the entire subsequent fiscal year. The former owners' name will be replaced by the new owner(s) name once the fiscal year has run its cycle.

Show All Answers

1. What do the Assessors do?
2. How do Assessors determine value?
3. At what ratio is property assessed?
4. What does full and fair cash value mean?
5. Why do assessments change when nothing has happened to the property?
6. When are real property tax bills mailed?
7. What is the CPA tax?
8. Who is responsible for taxes if a property is sold after January 1?
9. Why is the former owner’s name still on my tax bill?
10. After a change in ownership, how do I correct the name(s) on my tax bill?
11. How do I change my address for tax billing?
12. What should I do if I recently sold my property but I am still receiving a tax bill?
13. When do I file for overvaluation abatement?
14. Where do I file an abatement application?
15. What is Proposition 2 1/2?
16. What is the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers?