Massachusetts § 3 - Tax bills; notices; affidavits of sending

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 3 — Tax bills; notices; affidavits of sending, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3. Tax bills; notices; affidavits of sending

Section 3. The collector shall immediately, after receiving a tax list and warrant send notice to each person assessed, resident or non-resident, of the amount of the person's tax. If the notice is mailed, it shall be postpaid and directed to the assessed person at the person's residential address on January 1 if known, or the address of the real estate or personal property to which the tax relates, unless the person shall otherwise direct the collector, in writing, in time and manner as the collector may require. If the tax is a tax on real estate, the collector shall send a separate bill or notice for the portion of the tax applicable to each parcel of real estate separately assessed. An omission to send a notice under this section shall not affect the validity either of a tax or of the proceedings for its collection. An affidavit of the collector or deputy collector sending a tax bill or notice as to the time of sending shall be prima facie evidence that the same was sent at such time. All tax bills or notices issued pursuant to this section shall state (a) the date as of which the tax was assessed and (b) the fiscal year to which the tax relates. The tax notice and bill shall state that all payments shall be to or to the order of the city, town or district and not to or to the order of any officer, board or commission.

The collector may send the notice required by this section to an owner who has acquired title by a deed duly recorded subsequent to January first in the year in which said tax was assessed.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 3

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 3 cover?

Section 3 ("Tax bills; notices; affidavits of sending") 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 § 3?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 3" (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 § 3 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.