Personal Property Tax

Massachusetts General Law requires that the property tax bill must be sent to the owner of record as of the January 1 date immediately preceding the start of the fiscal year.  This means that if you purchased property or a business in Sturbridge after January 1, the tax bill for July 1 to June 30 would be in the name of the previous owner and in all likelihood the bills would be forwarded to the previous owner by the post office.  If you are a new business owner, you should notify the Board of Assessors immediately in writing.

The Town of Sturbridge is on a semi-annual tax billing system for personal property taxes.  You may pay the total amount you owe in two payments.  Your first payment is due on November 1, or 30 days after the date tax bills were mailed, whichever is later, and must be at least one half.  The balance is due May 1.  If your payments are not made by the due dates, interest at the rate of 14% per annum will be charged on the unpaid and overdue amount.  Interest is computed on overdue first payments from October 1 or the date tax bills were mailed, whichever is later, and on overdue second payments from April 1, to the date payment is made.  You will also be required to pay charges and fees incurred for collection if payments are not made when due.  Timely payment requires that the bill be received by the Collector before the close of business on the due date.  Postmarks are not acceptable.  If a due date falls on a holiday or a weekend, the bill will be due on the next business day.

Any balance still remaining after May 1st will result in the issuance of a demand bill and an additional $ 10.00 fee. The Town of Sturbridge has accepted M.G.L. Chapter 40 Section 57 which permits the town to deny any application for, revoke or suspend certain local licenses or permits where there is a tax delinquency.  Continued failure to remit payment will result in the unpaid bill being forwarded to the Town’s attorney for collection action.

Do not forget to sign and date your check.  Unsigned checks will be returned.  DO NOT DATE THE CHECK AHEAD. Checks will not be held for a later deposit.  A post-dated check that is processed and not honored by the bank will result in penalties and fees and charges imposed by both your bank and the Town.  If using electronic bill payment through a bank, please include the bill year, type of bill and bill number so ensure the proper posting of your payment.  For your convenience the Town offers online bill payment.

If you would like a receipt of your payment, you must include your entire bill and a self addressed stamped envelope with your payment.  

Requests for abatements should be made to the Board of Assessors at (508) 347-2503.