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1. What is the CPA billed on my account?

On November 5, 2002, voters approved the provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws, known as the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The revenue for this fund includes a 1.5% property tax surcharge. The Town also accepted provisions that allow us to exempt up to $100,000 of your residential assessed value for determination of this surcharge. The calculation is determined by multiplying your adjusted CPA valuation (assessed value less the $100,000 exemption) by the surcharge of 1.5%, and then multiplying this amount by the current tax rate.

Please note: You may be eligible for an additional exemption. The Town also accepted provisions that allow low-income individuals of any age and for seniors with up to moderate income a complete CPA exemption. The income criteria is based on the area-wide median household income as determined annually by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Please call for complete details or for an application for exemption.

For more information on the CPA, please call the Assessors Office at (978) 929- 6621.

2. What is the Sewer Bet and Sewbet Int. billed on my account?

If your property is located in the Middle Fort Pond Sewer District, you have been assessed a betterment. That assessment was payable by two methods: in full or the time payment option. If the time payment option was chosen, you have two components: one is the principal amount of the payment (Sewer Bet) and the other interest portion being 1.55% (Sewbet Int.). These two combined represent the total quarterly installment of your betterment assessment.

For more information on the Betterment, please call the Assessors Office at (978) 929- 6621 .

3. I never received my bill in the mail. Can you forgive the interest and penalties?

No. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 60 Section 3 states that failure to receive a bill does not relieve the taxpayer/ ratepayer of the responsibility of paying all taxes, charges, interest, and fees. Each year this office is audited by an outside auditing firm. One of the first things examined is whether interest has been forgiven during the year. All payments are effective dated for the day that they are received. We do not honor postmarked dates.

4. Where/how can I make payments?

Payments can be made in person at the counter, M – F from 8 – 5. Also, payments can be made online at www.acton-ma.gov/payonline. Convenience fees are: echeck is $0.50, credit & debit is 3.20% with a min. of $3.00. There is a locked “Message Drop” slot to the right hand side of the rear Town Hall doors for after hours payments.

5. Does your office accept cash payments?

Yes, although we do not encourage the use of cash. Payment by check offers you an excellent record of your payment. If you do make a payment in cash, be sure to get a stamped receipt that indicates the amount of cash paid. We suggest that you keep that receipt in a safe place.

6. I want to begin paying all of my Town of Acton bills online through my bank. Do you have any suggestions?

This method of payment – echeck - creates challenges in the processing of payments. Many people have sewer, real estate, and motor vehicle bills to pay throughout the year. Ownership of multiple properties and motor vehicles further complicates processing a bank printed/echeck as intended by the payee. Clearly, you as well as our staff want payments to post to the correct bill(s) but we can only rely on your data input to assure that this happen. We suggest that if you are going to pay bills online, you should set up your online account at your bank with a general title such as “Town of Acton Taxes & Utility Charges”. Then, as you process a check request, put the specific type/year/bill number(s) or parcel ID data in the memo section of the check. For Example: RE/2015/1234 or RE/2015/F3.A-22-1 or MV/2015/1234 &5678 or for sewer UB/B649/90375. By doing this, the process will be much smoother and greatly minimizes any problems with incorrectly applied payments or the need to return your echeck due to our not being able to find a match for your payment/memo. Keep in mind that there is a lag time between ordering a check online from your bank and that check arriving here for processing. Allow ample time for this lag. We recommend 10 business days.

7. How does your office apply partial payments?

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 60 Section 3E states that partial payments shall be applied first to any interest due, then to collection charges/fees, then to principal.

8. If I am late paying my bill, what interest rate is charged?

Interest accrues at 14% per year from the due date of each bill. The Commonwealth sets this rate. Our accounting system calculates interest daily using this annual rate. The daily interest amount is called interest per diem.

9. How do I obtain calendar year tax information?

Please remember to keep your copy of your tax bill(s) in a safe place for your income tax records. We do not send statements out unless requested. You can request this at our counter by filling out a form, and if requesting Motor Vehicle information, providing ID for the whomever’s name is on the bill. Other options for requests are via email : collector@acton-ma.gov and by phone 978-929-6622 (if not requesting Motor Vehicle info.) Tax bill information can be viewed online any time at www.acton-ma.gov/payonline.

10. How do I request a Municipal Lien Certificate?

MLCs can be requested via email, regular mail, or in person. We cannot begin to process an MLC until we receive payment to the Town of Acton. Most residential MLCs cost $25.00, but commercial properties can cost up to $150.00. Please inquire by parcel ID and/or property address prior to sending your request. MLC Request Form