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1. What are the due dates for real estate taxes?

Tax bills are issued 4 times a year. The quarterly tax payments are due on or around the following dates:

• August 1st
• November 1st
• February 1st
• May 1st

View the current residential tax rate.

2. What if I don’t receive a real estate tax bill?

You can request a statement by calling the Town Treasurer’s Office at 781-721-7123.

3. What should I do if I'm a new owner?

If you are a new property owner and have not received your tax bill from the previous owner, you can request a statement from the Town Treasurer's Office at 781-721-7123.

4. What happens if I pay my real estate tax late?

Interest of 14% per annum will start accruing at the close of business on the due date.

Under state law, Chapter 60, Section 3, failure to receive a bill does not affect the validity of the tax or any interest or fines incurred due to late payment(s). It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to secure his/her tax bill when 1 is not received.

5. Where do I mail my real estate tax payment?

Please mail payment to:
Office of the Tax Collector
Town of Winchester
71 Mt. Vernon St.
Winchester, MA 01890

Please make checks payable to: Town of Winchester.

For proper crediting, write the bill number on the check and enclose the remit portion of your tax bill. To obtain a receipt, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and both portions of the bill with the payment. One copy will be stamped "paid" and returned.

6. How do I change the old owner’s name that appears on the tax bill after purchasing the property?

All changes of owner and/or address must be in writing and directed to the Assessors Office. This will change the mail to portion of the bill; the permanent change will take place when the Assessors Office receives the deed from the Registry of Deeds.

7. What happens if there is an overpayment on my real estate tax?

Overpayment will be applied to the next quarter unless it is the last quarter of the Fiscal Year. If an overpayment is made on the last quarter, it will be refunded to the person or mortgage company that caused the credit balance.

8. What happens if I don’t pay my real estate tax?

Tax payments must be received on or before the due date to avoid interest and demand charges. If payment is not made on or before the due date, the account will begin to accrue interest at the rate of 14% per annum, computed from the date the bill was due.

At 15 days after a 4th quarter bill, a demand notice will be sent and a demand fee is charged against the account.

If the account remains delinquent after further attempts to notify owners and collect unpaid real estate taxes, the owner’s name, address, and the amount owed will be advertised in the Winchester Star, additional fees will be assessed, and a tax lien will be placed on the property and recorded with the Registry of Deeds. A tax lien is the first step in the foreclosure process. All taxes, costs, and interest must be paid to prevent foreclosure.

9. What should I do if I recently sold my property, but I am still receiving a tax bill?

If you receive a bill, please forward it to the new owner immediately as it is his/her responsibility to make payment.

10. How do I get a Municipal Lien Certificate, how much will it cost, and when will I receive it?

If you wish to obtain a Municipal Lien Certificate, the following information is required:

• Current Owner
• Property Address

Self-addressed stamped envelope is required if you wish the municipal lien certificate mailed to you.

The fee for a Municipal Lien Certificate is $60 for a residential property and $105 for commercial property. Acceptable forms of payment:

• Attorney’s check
• Cash (if in person)
• Certified or registered check
• Personal check

Mail payment to the following:
Office of the Tax Collector
Town of Winchester
71 Mt. Vernon St.
Winchester, MA 01890

The Municipal Lien Certificate will be issued within 10 business days.

11. Have you received my real estate payment from my bank?

You can request that information by calling the Town Treasurers Office at 781-721-7123.

12. What if I am buying a condominium that is in the middle of a conversion?

Until the conversion is completed, the property is recognized as just 1 parcel. There is only 1 bill for all units, and it is between you and all the other unit owners how the real estate bill is divided. You must also notify your mortgage company as to how much your portion of the real estate bill should be paid.