Massachusetts § 65A - Sale or taking real property for taxes; effect upon abatement

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 65A — Sale or taking real property for taxes; effect upon abatement, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 65A. Sale or taking real property for taxes; effect upon abatement

Section 65A. No sale or taking of real property for non-payment of taxes shall affect the hearing of any application for abatement of such taxes duly made under any provision of this chapter prior to the institution of proceedings for such sale or taking, or the institution, hearing or disposition of any proceeding arising from such application, nor shall the addition of any subsequent taxes to a tax title account affect the hearing of any application for abatement of such subsequent taxes duly made under any provision of this chapter prior to such addition being made, or the institution, hearing or disposition of any proceeding arising from such application. If a final finding be made that the person aggrieved by the assessment of such taxes is entitled to an abatement, he shall be granted such reasonable abatement as justice may require. In case the purchaser of the property is other than the town, the person so aggrieved shall be entitled to relief in the same manner and in the same amount, including interest and charges, as if the payment made to the town for the purchase of the property had been made as a direct payment of the taxes, interest and charges for the non-payment of which the property was sold. In case the property is taken or purchased by the town, the person so aggrieved shall be entitled to have the amount to be paid or tendered in redemption under the provisions of section sixty-two of chapter sixty reduced to the amount which would have been required to have been so paid or tendered if the abatement or abatements had become effective before the taking or purchase or addition to the tax title account.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 65A

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 65A cover?

Section 65A ("Sale or taking real property for taxes; effect upon abatement") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 65A?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 65A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 65A apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.