Property Taxes

Tax Period

The fiscal year for property tax covers the period from July 1 to June 30. The first and second quarter preliminary property tax bills are estimated based on one fourth of the prior year's net tax, adjusted to reflect the annual 2.5% tax increase allowed under Proposition 2 1/2 plus any other tax increase attributable to approved overrides or exclusions.

Due Dates

If the normal due date falls on a weekend or a holiday, the actual due date is the next business day. Interest at an annual rate of 14% is charged for late payments.

Billing Dates

Quarter	Issue Date	Due Date
First	July 1	August 1
Second	October 1	November 1
Third	January 1	February 1
Fourth	April 1	May 1

Reminder About Tax Rates

Tax payers are reminded that they are receiving preliminary tax bills. The town's fiscal year tax rate and any change in assessed property valuations will be reflected on the third-quarter bill which will be mailed at the end of December. Any questions concerning valuation should be addressed to the town of Middleton's Assessors office 978-774-2099.

Penalties for Late Payment

Under the quarterly payment system, interest of 14% per annum will be charged for the number of days the payment is overdue after the due date. Timely payment (of all quarterly bills) is generally a prerequisite to preserving an owner's right to appeal an abatement decision of the Board of Assessors.

The Abatement Process

An abatement application can be filed as soon as you receive your Third Quarter tax bill. The Assessors Office cannot accept applications before those bills are mailed in December. The deadline for filing an abatement application with the Assessors' Office is the due date of the third quarter tax bill (usually February 1.) Questions about abatement should go to the Assessor's Office at 978-774-2099.

Application for Exemption or Deferral

If you qualify for an exemption or a deferral, the deadline for filing an application is April 1. If approved after the issuance of the third quarter tax bills, the entire amount of the exemption will be deducted from the fourth quarter tax bill. If approved earlier, the exemption will be deducted equally from the third and fourth quarter tax bills. Questions about exemption or deferral should go to the Assessor's Office at 978-774-2099.

Property Valuation

In accordance with state law, a town-wide property revaluation is completed in the fall (assessment date of January 1). The assessed values are used to set the new tax rate in December and appear on your third and fourth quarter tax bills.

Previous Years' Taxes

Requests for how much was paid in taxes in the past year for income tax preparation should be in writing. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope. Please include the assessed property owner, address, map and parcel (if known) for real estate and personal property, the owner's name, make, model year and registration number for excise tax. Please allow four to five days for research and processing. Excise information can only be sent to the vehicle owner.