General FAQs - Payment options, mailing, & receipts, address changes
Where do I change my mailing address?
For real estate, personal property, and boat excise bills please contact the Assessors office.
For motor vehicle excise bills please contact the RMV.
What do I make check payable to?
Please make checks payable to: TOWN of WESTPORT
Where do I mail my payment?
Mail payments to: Town of Westport, P O Box 901, Reading, MA 01867-0124
If I mail payment on the due date, will it be considered on time?
No. Payments are considered made when RECEIVED by the Collector. It now takes TWO days for a 1st class letter to be delivered, please mail early to ensure on time delivery.
Is there a grace period for tax payments?
No. Interest is charged from the day after the due date to the day payment is received.
What forms of payment can I use? May I pay my taxes with a credit card?
In office, we will accept cash or check only – no credit or debit cards. Credit and debit cards may be used through the online bill payment system for a fee. Click here for information on online bill payments.
Can I use my bank bill pay checks?
Yes. When using bill pay from your bank clearly indicate which accounts are being paid in the memo section so that we will properly credit your accounts. Please use bill # and type of payment for example RE #1234, PP #567, EX #890. Please mail to Town of Westport, P O Box 901, Reading, MA 01867-0124. Also, be advised these checks sometimes take up to two(2) weeks to arrive, please schedule your payment accordingly as payment is considered made when received in office not by date on check.
Do I have to write separate checks for each bill?
No, one check is sufficient. Include all remit copies so that we will properly credit your accounts. Please double check your math. When using bill pay from your bank clearly indicate which accounts are being paid in the memo section so that we will properly credit your accounts. Please use bill # and type of payment for example RE #1234, PP #567, EX #890.
My taxes are paid through escrow with my mortgage – do I need to do anything?
Most financial institutions obtain an electronic file from us and directly forward your payment. Some of the smaller banks and credit unions require you to forward a copy of the bill to them. Contact your mortgage company to find out if you need to send them your bill. If required, please forward the bill upon receipt so that your bill will be paid on time.
What if the website is down or for some reason I am unable to use the website?
Please be aware that interest and fees will not be waived if the website is inoperable for any reason or if data entry errors occur.
Why should I pay interest and/or demands fees on a late payment when I never received my tax 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 secure his/her tax bill when one is not received.