Tax Collector and Treasurer

The Treasurer/Collector’s Office is responsible for

  • Collection of Real Estate and Motor Vehicle taxes
  • Tax Balance Inquiry and Customer Service
  • Collection of other town receipts
  • Investment of Town funds
  • Payroll and vendor disbursements
  • Administration of employee and retiree benefits
The Treasurer's office acts as the receiver and disburser of all public funds and is charged with the sound investment, management, and safekeeping of said funds. In addition, the department is responsible for the collection of tax titles, reconciliation of bank accounts, warrants, long and short-term investments, long and short-term borrowing, income tax reporting, and medical insurance records for retired employees.

 

The Collector's office is responsible for the collection of all assessed taxes in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws. Issues and collects real estate tax, personal property tax, motor vehicle excise, and utility bills as well as issuing Municipal Lien Certificates.  The Tax Collector's Office distributes and collects the real estate, personal property, and motor vehicle bills to the residents of the Town of Stow.

 

Tax Due Dates:Preliminary Tax (Estimated)Preliminary Tax (Estimated)Actual TaxActual Tax
Due Date

August 1st

November 1st

February 1st

May 1st

Quarter1st2nd3rd4th
Months tax coversJuly, August, SeptemberOctober, November, DecemberJanuary, February, MarchApril, May, June
The calculation of tax bills is done by the Assessor’s office. Once calculated, the Assessor’s commit the bills to the Tax Collector’s office for collection. Since the Tax Collector’s office is not involved in the assessment process, our office is not able to provide tax relief. All tax abatements and exemptions must be granted by the Assessor’s office.

 

Preliminary Tax Bills: The 1st and 2nd quarter tax bills are called Preliminary Bills and are based on each property’s previous fiscal year taxes including betterments, liens and assessments. These are estimated bills only.

 

Actual Tax Bills: The 3rd and 4th quarter tax bills are called Actual Tax Bills. These bills are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of each property by the new tax rate (set in November) minus any preliminary tax payments.

 

Late Payments: Per Massachusetts General Law, interest is charged at the rate of 14% per annum. There is NO grace period with real estate and personal property taxes. Interest is accrued beginning at midnight on each due date. Payments are considered made when received by the Tax Collector – not postmarked.

Staff Contacts

Name Title
Brad Brightman Treasurer/Collector
Lani Criasia Assistant Treasurer/Collector
Jill Sullivan Payroll Coordinator