FAQ

• Who should I make my check payable to?

All checks for real estate, excise and sewer need to be made payable to Town of Templeton.

• What happens when I pay my bill using my bank?

If you use your banks "On-Line" payments such as "Home Link/Bill Pay" be aware that the Town is sent a check. Please reference your bill number on your check. It may take up to two weeks for the Collectors office to receive the check from your bank.

• What happens if my check bounces?

Town of Templeton imposes a flat $25.00 processing fee for all payments, be they electronic or by check, not processed due to a lack of sufficient funds on the part of the paying party.

• Am I able to present a postdated check?

We do not honor postdated checks. All checks presented for payment will be processed immediately. We will not hold checks. A check that is returned for any reason will be assessed a $25 fee.

• I bought the property this year, why is the former owner still appearing on the tax bill?

Property taxes are billed with the information as of January 1st preceding the beginning of the current Fiscal Year. If you purchased the property any time after January 1st, you may not appear on the tax bill as the assessed owner until the next fiscal year. This rule is mandated by Massachusetts Law.

• What are the penalties for late tax payments or not paying my tax bill?

If for some reason you are unable to pay you tax bill, Massachusetts Law mandates that interest, at 14%, be added to the tax from the due through the payment date.

• How do I pay for overdue excise taxes that have been marked at the Registry of Motor Vehicles for non-renewal?

Please contact our Deputy Collector, Jeffery & Jeffery, at 413-967-9941 or you may pay online at www.jefferyandjeffery.com. Make sure to select Templeton and that you have the correct bill number and year of the bill you are paying online.

• I received an excise tax on a car I no longer own- where do I go for an adjustment of this bill?

Please contact the Assessor’s office for abatement information at 978-894-2760.

• What happens if I never received my Real Estate or Excise bill?

Failure to Receive a Bill

If you do not receive your quarterly tax bill or your excise tax bill contact the Collector' Office to obtain your bill information. Under state law failure to receive a tax bill does not affect the validity of the tax or any interest or fines incurred due to late payment or of the proceedings for its collection. It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to secure his/her tax bill when one is not received. MGL Chapter 60, Section 3