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1. Why would the former owners' name be on my tax bill?

This is confusing to new owners. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 11 states: "Taxes on real estate shall be assessed ... to the person who is the owner on January 1."

The tax bill will have the January 1 owners name for the next fiscal year. The name of the new owner will then replace the old owner's name.

If the tax is assessed in the name of the previous owner, the new owner is still responsible for all taxes on the property. The new owner should pay the bill even though the previous owner's name appears on the bill.

2. Why does it take so long to change the owner's name on the tax bills?

Massachusetts law provides for a uniform assessment date of January 1 for each tax year. The January 1, 2009, assessment date establishes ownership, condition, and occupancy of each parcel. If your property was purchased, sold, subdivided, or renovated after January 1, 2009, these changes will be reflected in the Fiscal Year 2011 fall bill.

3. What should I do if my bank escrows my taxes?

If the city mailed the tax bill to your bank or mortgage company, you could miss out on important information such as the assessed value. If you wish to appeal your value, there is only a very small window of time to do so. The deadline date for filing abatement is clearly printed on the tax bill.

The assessors' computer system can accommodate only one mailing address.

Both the assessors and the tax collector recommend that the tax bill go to your usual mailing address as most large banks and mortgage companies receive an electronic list from the tax collector. You can verify your tax payment by calling the Tax Collector's office to verify that the tax payment has been made on your behalf.