Technical Information Release  TIR 19-14: Deeds and Recordings Surcharges under the Community Preservation Act

Date:	10/31/2019
Referenced Sources:	Massachusetts General Laws

I. Introduction

This Technical Information Release explains provisions included in the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget, St. 2019, c. 41 (the “Act”), relating to surcharges imposed under G.L. c. 44B, § 8 on certain documents recorded at Registers of Deeds.  Under G.L. c. 44B, the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act, surcharges imposed on such documents are used for community preservation purposes.

II. Surcharges Effective December 31, 2019

Surcharge amounts imposed under G.L. c. 44B, § 8 have been increased by sections 29 and 30 of the Act as follows:

• Documents or instruments that are currently subject to a surcharge of $20.00 will be subject to a surcharge of $50.00, effective for documents and instruments postmarked on or after December 31, 2019.
   
• Documents or instruments that are currently subject to a surcharge of $10.00 will be subject to a surcharge of $25.00, effective for documents and instruments postmarked on or after December 31, 2019.

                                                                                    /s/Christopher C. Harding
                                                                                    Christopher C. Harding
                                                                                    Commissioner of Revenue

CCH:RHF:rmh

October 31, 2019

TIR 19-14