Town of Topsham

IMPORTANT NOTICE for WED, OCT 1st!

Town Clerk’s office is OPEN from 9am – 4pm

Wednesday, October 1st is the due date for Topsham’s Property Tax bills.  For your convenience, the Town Clerk’s office will be open if you need to make any last-minute payments. 

 Any payments made after 4pm on Oct 1st will be considered late and handed over to the Delinquent Tax Collector.

Property Taxes: What You Need to Know

Payment Deadlines & Penalties

• Pay on time! Your full property tax payment is due on or before October 1st.

• Avoid extra charges: To prevent penalties and interest, make sure your payment reaches us by October 1st. 

• A penalty of 8% will be added to any unpaid amount starting October 2nd.

• Interest will also be charged on unpaid balances: with a rate of 1% per month. 

• Didn't get a bill? Not receiving your tax bill doesn't excuse you from paying on time or from incurring penalties and interest.

How to Pay
We offer several ways to pay your property taxes:

• In Person: Visit our office during regular hours.

• Mail: Send your payment via postal service to the Town Office.

• Throughout the Year: You are always welcome to make payments ahead on your taxes throughout the year prior to receiving your bill.  

Important Information

• Change of Address: If your mailing address changes, please let the Town Clerk's office know right away! You can email at topshamvt@outlook.com or call (802) 439-5505.

• Keep Your Tax Bill: Hold onto your tax bill! You'll need it when you prepare your federal and state tax returns next year. This is the only copy you will receive.

• Need a Receipt? If you'd like a receipt, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your payment.

• Escrow Accounts: If your mortgage company handles your property taxes through an escrow account, we strongly recommend you contact them to ensure they have your most current tax information.

• Homestead Declaration: To receive your property tax adjustment, you must file Form HS-122 (Homestead Declaration) and Form HI-144 (Household Income) every year with the Vermont Department of Taxes by April 15th.  There is a penalty for filing after April 15th through oct 15th.  For questions about this, contact Vermont Taxpayer Services at (802) 828-2865.

Property Transfers

• Who Pays Taxes? By law, property taxes are assessed based on who owns the property on April 1st. Tax bills are mailed to the owner of record at that time.

• Selling Your Property? If you sell your property after April 1st: 

• It's your responsibility to forward the tax bill to the new owner.

• It's the new owner's responsibility to be aware of and meet the payment due dates.

• Subdividing Your Property? If your property is subdivided after April 1st: 

• Your bill will still cover the entire original parcel.

• It's your responsibility to ensure the entire tax bill is paid in full for the whole year.

• Legal Advice for Transfers: Our office doesn't handle arrangements for prorated taxes or funds held in escrow during a sale or subdivision. Please contact your attorney for guidance on these matters.