How to Pay Your Bill to the Town of North Reading

Paying your bill to the Town of North Reading is an important responsibility as a resident. The town provides many essential services that rely on residents paying their bills on time. This article will explain the different types of bills you may receive, how to pay them, and key information to avoid late fees.

Common Bills from the Town of North Reading

There are several common bills you may receive from the Town of North Reading

• Property Tax Bill This is likely the most expensive bill It covers the cost of public education, police, fire, public works, and other general services Property tax bills are sent quarterly and due within 30 days.

• Water/Sewer Bill: You will receive this bill quarterly for water and sewer services. It is based on your usage.

• Excise Tax Bill: This is an annual tax assessed on registered vehicles in North Reading. The bill amount depends on the value of your vehicle.

• Brush Sticker: This annual sticker allows you to dispose of brush at the town brush dump. The cost is $20 per sticker.

• Beach Sticker: An annual sticker provides access to Ipswich River Park and Martins Pond. Sticker fees vary based on residency and age.

Payment Options

The Town of North Reading offers several ways to pay your bill:

• Mail: You can mail a check or money order made payable to “Town of North Reading” to:

  Tax Collector’s Office
  235 North St.
  North Reading, MA 01864

• Drop Box: A drop box is located outside the Town Hall entrance. No cash payments in the drop box.

• In-Person: You can pay with cash, check, or money order at the Tax Collector’s Office in Town Hall.

• Online: The town offers online bill pay through their website. You can pay by card or e-check.

• Auto Debit: Set up recurring payments through your bank’s online bill pay. Payments will automatically debit from your account.

Key Payment Tips

Follow these tips to ensure proper payment and avoid late fees:

• Pay your bill by the due date printed on your invoice. Late payments incur interest and fines.

• The payment must be received by the due date, not just postmarked. Mail payments well in advance.

• Always include your bill stub to ensure proper credit to your account.

• If paying by check, make it payable to “Town of North Reading” and don’t post-date it.

• Pay early if using your bank’s online bill pay since it takes time to receive the check.

• Contact your mortgage company if they handle your tax payments.

• Sign up for e-bills to get reminders and pay online.

• Review payment confirmations to ensure proper processing. Follow up if needed.

Avoid Late Fees

To avoid late fees and penalties:

• Carefully note the due date on each bill and pay by that date.

• Pay a few days early to account for mail time. Pay online by midnight on the due date.

• If paying by check, mail it 1-2 weeks in advance.

• Set payment reminders and sign up for e-bills.

• Have a backup payment method like online bill pay if mailing a check late.

• Contact the Tax Collector immediately if you can’t pay on time and may qualify for an extension.

If You Can’t Pay on Time

If you are unable to pay your town bill by the due date, here are some options:

• Request an abatement if you disagree with your property tax or excise tax amount.

• Inquire about being placed on a payment plan to pay over time. Interest will still accrue.

• If facing financial hardship, ask about qualifying for tax exemptions or deferrals.

• Consult the Tax Collector on steps to avoid further collection actions like tax liens.

• Consider taking out a loan or withdrawing from savings if possible to pay urgently due bills.

Don’t ignore past due town bills as that will increase late fees and collection actions. Communicate with the Tax Collector’s office for assistance. Paying your bills fully and on time avoids penalties and helps fund vital community services. Follow the tips in this article to manage North Reading bills responsibly.