Q: What is the tax rate?
A: ’12 rate is $6.12 per thousand dollars valuation
’11 rate was $6.09
Q: May I pay my taxes with a credit card?
A: Yes, but only online and for a fee. Go to www.wellfleet-ma.gov and click on online bill payments.
Q: Why is the previous owner’s name still appearing on my tax bill?
A: State law requires that for any given fiscal year, the owner of record as of the previous
January 1st is listed first. The bill is then sent in care of a subsequent owner.
(Example: FY 2012 bills list the owner as of 1/1/11) Our software automatically moves
the assessed owner to the top line at the appropriate time.
Q: How do I obtain a receipt?
A: When you send your payment, include both parts of your bill(s) and a stamped,
self-addressed envelope.
Q: Do I have to write separate checks for each bill?
A: No, one check is sufficient. (Please check your math!)
Q: Why does my bill say that the whole amount is due in the fall?
A: A bill smaller than $50 is not split into two payments but is due in full on the first notice.
Q: I got my second payment notice but one bill is missing?
A: You probably paid the bill in full last fall. A bill smaller than $50 is not split into two payments. (We’ll be glad to check for you.)
Q: Which part of the bill do I send in with my payment?
A: Send the top part. Keep the bottom part; it contains info that is not on the top.
Q: What is CPA?
A: Community Preservation Act. It is a 3% surcharge on the real estate tax that was voted in by all towns on Cape Cod in 2000 for a minimum of 20 years.
Q: The Community Preservation Act fee is listed as a special assessment on my real estate bill. Do I have to add that to the amount due listed on the bill?
A: No. The CPA is included in the amount due.
Q: I just got an excise bill for a car I don’t own any longer. What do I do?
A: Provide the Assessors’ office with written proof of the disposition of the license plates.
If they were transferred to another vehicle, provide a copy of the new registration. If they were cancelled, provide a copy of the plate cancellation receipt from the RMV. If there is a balance due after the abatement is processed, we will issue an adjusted bill.
Q: Do I qualify for any tax exemptions?
A: Real estate tax exemptions are available for year-round residents who: are disabled veterans; or are over 65 years of age (financial qualifications apply); are legally blind;
are widows (with financial qualifications). Contact the Assessor for a complete listing.
Exemption applications are under the jurisdiction of the Board of Assessors.
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