City & Town Newsletters

Addresses matters of interest to local officials. Published by the Division of Local Services.

Displaying 31 - 40 of 114

Ask DLS: Subsequent Owners  

This FAQ addresses frequently asked questions related to the effect of conveying property during the fiscal year with respect to exemptions for "subsequent owners."

Ask DLS: Takings & Foreclosures  

Answers frequently asked questions related to tax takings and foreclosures.

Ask DLS: Tax Title Reform - Part 2  

This article is the second part of multi-part series discussing 2024 tax title reform legislation, focusing on process-related changes that affect the collection and assignment of tax titles. It outlines the new requirements for demand notices, notifications of tax title assignments, and procedures for handling unpaid real estate taxes, while also indicating that further details will be covered in upcoming editions of the series.

Ask DLS: Tax Title Reform - Part 3  

This article is the third part of multi-part series discussing 2024 tax title reform legislation, focusing on process-related changes that affect the collection and assignment of tax titles. It outlines the new requirements for demand notices, notifications of tax title assignments, and procedures for handling unpaid real estate taxes, while also indicating that further details will be covered in upcoming editions of the series.

Ask DLS: The Budget Setting Process  

This article discusses the roles and powers of city councils, select boards, and finance committees in setting the annual budget for cities and towns, detailing the authority each body holds in the budget process and the legal frameworks governing their actions.

Ask DLS: Transportation Network Companies  

Answers frequently asked questions related to transportation network companies and acounting of revenues received from the Commonwealth Transportation Infrastructure fund.

Ask DLS: Treatment of Opioid Settlement Payments  

These FAQs on the treatment of anticipated settlement payments from opioid defendants by municipalities, focusing on recent statewide opioid settlements. It addresses questions about setting up special revenue accounts, legislative considerations for amendments, appropriation processes, and the utilization of settlement funds for opioid remediation purposes.

Ask DLS: Veteran Property Tax Work-off Abatement Programs  

This article features frequently asked questions frequently asked questions concerning recent publications and the reservation of funds.

Ask DLS: Veteran Property Tax Work-off Abatement Programs  

This article features frequently asked questions concerning property tax work-off abatement programs for veterans established under G.L. c. 59, § 5N.

Assessor Property Inspection and Visit History Reporting Best Practices  

This article reviews assessor property inspection and Visit History Reporting best practices. It highlights the importance of data quality and formatting of the required “Visit History” Excel report created by the assessors (or vendors) to be submitted to the DLS Bureau of Local Assessment.