Personal Property FAQs
1. Why am I receiving this Personal Property Bill?
You would receive a Personal Property Bill if this is not your primary residence, if there’s a guest house on the property and/or if there is a business on the property. If you are receiving a personal property bill and this is your primary residence that does not include a guest house or business on the property, please contact the Assessor’s Office at (508) 645-2102.
2. How is Personal Property calculated?
It is calculated at 3 % of the assessed value of the house, multiplied by the tax rate.
3. Why is there no assessment or tax rate shown on my 1st half bill?
The 1st half bills are preliminary bills based on the prior year tax rate and values. The 2nd half bill (referred to as “actuals”) will show the current year tax rate and assessed value. For assessment/valuation questions, please contact the Assessor at (508) 645-2102.
4. What is considered Personal Property for local property tax purposes?
Personal property generally includes tangible items that are not firmly attached to land or buildings and are not specifically designed for or of such size and bulk to be considered part of the real estate. This includes merchandise, furnishings and effects, machinery, tools, animals and equipment. Such personal property will be taxable unless a specific exemption provision applies.
5. What should I do if I don’t receive my bill?
You should request a duplicate tax bill via email or by calling the Collector’s Office at (508) 645-2108 to request a copy of the bill.
6. Where do I file an Abatement Application?
You can file an application with the Assessor's Office, PO Box 119, Chilmark, MA 02535. For more information please contact the Assessor at (508) 645-2102.
7. When are the Personal Property Tax Bills mailed and what are their due dates?
Tax bills are mailed two times a year. The 1st half bills are mailed by July 1st and due October 1st. The 2nd half bills are mailed by December 31st and due April 1st.
8. Does my mortgage company pay my Personal Property Tax Bill?
NO. If your real estate taxes are escrowed by a bank or mortgage company, you will want to ensure that they make timely payment, but please note that they do not pay for the Personal Property Tax.
9. Why should I pay interest on a late payment if I never received my bill?
Under state law, 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 contact the Tax Collector and obtain the tax amount due when a tax bill is not received. You may request a duplicate tax bill via email or by calling the Collector's Office at (508) 645-2108. However, the request must be received early enough to allow sufficient time to avoid late charges.
10. What happens if I don’t pay my tax bill?
Tax payments must be received on or before the due date to avoid interest 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 until payment is made. A demand notice will be sent and a demand fee of $5.00 is charged against the account. If the account remains outstanding after the issuance of the demand notice, a warrant notice is sent. The initial warrant fee is $22.00. If the initial warrant remains unpaid a final warrant fee is delivered with an additional charge of $17.00. Please note that demand and warrant notices are sent only on the 2nd half bills. Additionally, delinquent taxpayer lists are dispersed among specific Departments within Town Hall. Chilmark accepted MGL 40 § 57 to deny any application for, or revoke or suspend any local license or permit including renewals or transfers issued by any board or department for any person, business, or corporation who has neglected to pay taxes, fees, betterments and assessments, or any other municipal charges for not less than 12 months.