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 received after the due date, the account will begin to accrue interest at the rate of 14% per annum.

15 days after the 4th quarter bill due date, a demand notice will be mailed and a demand fee levied on 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 Melrose Weekly News and posted in a public place such as the Library or City Hall.  Additional fees will be assessed and a tax lien will be placed on the property.  The tax lien will be recorded with the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds. A tax lien is the first step in the foreclosure process.