Reading, MA — Water/Sewer/Storm Water bills for the Town of Reading will be mailed on March 9, 2018 and the payment due date is April 17, 2018 by 7:00pm. Payments not received by April 17, 2018 will accrue interest daily at an annual rate of 14% until payment is received. Postmarks are not accepted. The white mailbox in the parking lot will be emptied at the close of business on each payment due date. The next bills will be mailed on June 8, 2018.
The last installment of the FY 2018 Actual Real Estate/Personal Property tax bills will be mailed by March 30, 2018. Payment is due by May 1, 2018. The split tax rate of $13.87 for residential and $13.92 for commercial was approved by the Department of Revenue for Fiscal Year 2018. These bills will reflect all payments received and any exemptions/abatements that are granted by March 15, 2018. The deadline to apply for an exemption is March 29, 2018. The state mandated interest rate is 14% for late payments. Payments not received by the due date are subject to interest and demand fees.
The major annual commitment of excise bills for 2018 was mailed on February 5, 2018 and are due by March 7, 2018. If residents have a leased vehicle, the excise bill will go to the leasing company which owns the vehicle. Residents who have not received an excise bill for 2018, may contact the Collector’s Office at 781-942-9023.
By vote of Town Meeting, the demand fee for unpaid bills is $25.00 as of January 2009. As of January 2014 the town no longer mails payment reminders before imposing the demand fees on unpaid bills.
For those using an online bill payment service through their bank, the Town Collector asks that residents make sure that plenty of time is allowed for the bank to mail a check to Town Hall. Most banks require seven to ten business days to guarantee on-time payment. Customers should verify that they have the proper bill number or account number referenced on their payment. Bill numbers change each cycle and are often not updated on online bill payment checks which can result in misapplied payments.
The Town of Reading does not receive electronic payments from your bank unless the link from town website is used. Those choosing to use this link may make a payment up until the due date and the payment will be considered timely. Only debit and credit card payments can be accepted through the online payment service; the link is available on the homepage of the town website.
