Treasurer-Collector

Treasurer

The Treasurer-Collector  is responsible for managing and directing the tax collection process for the City.  The Treasurer works with the Assessor and the Auditor to ensure the efficient management of all monies due and payable to the city. The Treasurer-Collector serves as Custodian of Funds for all city monies. Cash management, investment management, and debt management, are among the Treasurer’s responsibilities. The Treasurer develops investment and borrowing strategies based on financial best practices, consultation with financial advisors and investment institutions, participation in government finance officer’s seminars and conferences, ongoing review of financial and investment journals and periodicals, and working on the certification process for both Treasurer and Collector of Taxes through the Massachusetts Collectors & Treasurers Association and the national Government Finance Officers Association. The Treasurer-Collector must also exercise fiduciary prudence when investing city funds in accordance with the guidelines imposed by state law under M.G.L. c. 44, sec. 55 and ensure compliance with all applicable state laws, City of Medford ordinances and any other financial mandates.

In conjunction with the Treasurer’s Office, the Collector’s Office is responsible for the preparation and generation of all real estate, personal property, excise tax and water and sewer bills. The Collector’s Office is charged with pursuing timely collection of all bills. Real estate and personal property taxes are issued quarterly, water and sewer bills are issued every two months and excise tax bills are issued annually. The Collector’s Office is conveniently located on the first floor of City Hall on Room 110.

Bills may be paid in person by cash, check or money order payments. Please note, credit card payments are not accepted at the Collector’s Office or over the phone. Credit card payments are accepted online. Please see below for more information.

Timely Payment

It is important to know, state law requires taxpayers to pay all tax bills in a timely manner. Failure to pay taxes timely will result in a delinquent account which accrues interest at a rate of 14% per year computed from the date the bill was due. Under state law, failure to receive a bill does not affect the validity of the bill and tax due. (M.G.L. c. 60, sec. 3).

The City of Medford’s fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Real estate and personal property taxes are due on a quarterly basis. The schedule for these tax payments is as follows:

Qtr. 1 – Due August 1
Qtr. 2 – Due November 1
Qtr. 3 – Due February 1
Qtr. 4 – Due May 1

If you do not receive a bill in accordance with the quarterly payment schedule listed above, please contact the Treasurer-Collector’s Office at 781-393-2550 or collector@medford.org for a copy of your statement.

Pay Bills Online

The City of Medford provides a safe and convenient way for you to pay the following bills online:

• Real Estate Tax – Personal Property Tax – Water Sewer Bill
• Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (NOT delinquent)
• Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (delinquent)
• Parking Tickets

Additional Links

• Community Preservation Act
• Water/Sewer Commissioners
• Commissioners of Trust Funds
• Board of Assessors
• Parking Rules and Regulations
• Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes
• Motor Vehicle Taxes
• Water/Sewer Bills
• Wright’s Pond
• Business and Commuter Parking
• Municipal Lien Certificates

Collector

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax

Chapter 60A of the Massachusetts General Laws imposes an excise on the privilege of registering a motor vehicle or a trailer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The excise is levied annually in lieu of a tangible personal property tax. Non-registered vehicles, however, remain subject to taxation as personal property.

The excise is levied by the city or town where the vehicle is principally garaged and the revenues become part of the local community treasury.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles prepares data for excise bills according to the information on the motor vehicle registration and sends it to city or town assessors. Cities and towns then prepare bills based on excise data sent by the Registry in conformity with the Department of Revenue requirements.

When are the payments due for Motor Vehicle Excise?

Payment of the motor vehicle excise is due within 30 days from the date the excise bill is issued. Generally, the city issues excise tax bills in February.

All owners of motor vehicles must pay an excise tax. A person who does not receive a bill is still liable for the excise tax plus any interest charges accrued. Therefore, it is important to keep the Registry and the post office informed of current names and addresses so that the excise bills can be delivered promptly. If you do not receive a bill by