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1. When is the bill due?

The bill is due in quarterly installments on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 each year. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

2. I bought this house in January, why isn’t my name on the bill?

State law requires that bills be assessed to the owners of record on January 1st preceding the levy year. The Assessor’s office records all deed changes received from the Registry of Deeds through June 1st. Your name may not appear on the tax bill for up to one and one-half years after the closing, depending on the time of closing. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

3. Why didn’t I receive my bill?

State law requires that bills be assessed to the owners of record on January 1st preceding the levy year. If you are a new owner, the name or address change may not have been received from the Registry of Deeds in time to be recorded. Contact the Collector’s office to find out amounts due. Remember the due dates are February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 each year. Bills are mailed 30 days prior to the due date. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

4. Why doesn’t my preliminary bill show my property value?

Preliminary bills are based upon last year’s taxes. Your fiscal year valuation will appear on your actual bill mailed at the end of December. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

5. Do I get my abatement or exemption?

Last year’s exemption has already been subtracted from the preliminary bill. The preliminary bill is one fourth of last year’s net tax. It is determined by taking the tax less any abatement or exemption and then dividing by four. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

6. There is a special assessment on my property for a sewer betterment. Is it on my preliminary bill?

No. The preliminary bill reflects only last year’s net tax. Special assessments and water and sewer liens will be on the actual bill. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

7. How much will my actual bill be?

The amount of the actual bill is not known until the valuations are certified and the tax rate is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Your actual bill will be based upon the fiscal year valuation and tax rate. It will be calculated by taking the total tax plus any betterments or liens, less any abatements or exemptions, less the first two quarterly payments.For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

8. When will I get my actual bill?

Actual bills will be mailed by December 31. They will be due on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 each year. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

9. When will I get my exemption?

Exemption applications will be sent out prior to mailing the actual bill. If your exemption is granted before the actual bills are mailed, your exemption will be reflected in the actual bill. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

10. When are exemption applications due?

They must be filed within three months of the date the actual bill is mailed. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

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1. What is the Community Preservation Act Surcharge for?

The Community Preservation Act Surcharge provides funding for:
- Acquisition, creation and preservation of open space 
- Acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources 
- Acquisition, creation, preservation of land for recreational use
- Creation, preservation and support of low income or low or moderate income senior housing

For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

2. Why do I have to pay the Community Preservation Act Surcharge? Who adopted it?

The voters of Agawam adopted the Community Preservation Act Surcharge in the November 6, 2001 election.
- Eligible Voters: 17,572 
- Voter Turnout: 7,608 (43%) 
- Yes: 2,848 (37%) 
- No: 1,836 (24%) 
- Blank: 2,924 (38%)

For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

3. How much is the Community Preservation Act Surcharge?

It is one per cent (1%) of the annual real estate tax. This is the bill for the whole fiscal year. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

4. When is the Community Preservation Act Surcharge due?

30 days after the bills were mailed. Interest will accrue at fourteen per cent (14%) per year on unpaid balances from the billing date. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

5. Can I get an exemption?

Low income households and low to moderate income seniors may be eligible for an exemption. You must contact the Assessor's office to obtain a low income application for Community Preservation Act Exemption. The phone number of the Assessor's office is 413-786-0400, ext. 8700.

6. Will this be on my May bill?

No. This bill is for the whole fiscal year. The surcharge will be divided by four next year and added to each quarterly real estate tax bill. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

7. Can the Community Preservation Act be revoked?

Acceptance may be revoked, but the city or town must wait until at least five years after the referendum passes to do so. Revocation is by majority vote of the City Council and by referendum. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

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1. How do I know which cart is mine?

The Town of Agawam retains ownership of the carts. Each cart will have an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification) that will be scanned and linked to the delivery address. Carts should never be removed from their original delivery address. The cart’s RFID tag may be tracked through the use of a scanning technology mounted in the truck or by a hand held scanner to identify it’s intended location.

You may also identify your cart by the serial number on the front of the cart. It is recommended you write down or take a picture of the serial number in the event your cart is stolen. Stolen carts should be immediately reported to the Police Department. A copy of the police report should be forwarded to the Department of Public Works to request a replacement cart.

2. What if my cart is damaged?

Damaged carts should be reported within 24 hours of incident to the Department of Public Works at 413-821-0600. Carts damaged outside the times identified in the cart placement section (page 3) will not be the responsibility of the town.

All carts will be inspected prior to exchange. Carts not covered under the manufacturers warranty or deemed accidental will be exchanged at a cost of $65 to the home owner.

Carts requiring maintenance due to normal wear and tear (wheels and lids) should contact Republic Services at 413-557-6700.

3. What if I sell my home, do I take my carts with me?

No, carts are to remain at the location to which they were delivered.

4. What if I buy a house and there are no carts?

New home owners are responsible to make sure Town of Agawam trash and recycling carts are left by the previous owner at the property.

If replacement carts are needed there will be a charge of $65 per cart.

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1. Where should I place my smoke detectors and/or carbon monoxide detectors?

For more information, please visit Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide

2. Can I have an outside fire?

Individuals are allowed to build and maintain a cooking fire of reasonable size without a permit as long as smoke does not create a nuisance. For more information, see our Outside Fires page.

3. What are your permit fees?

For more information about permit fees, please visit the Permits & Fees page.

4. Where can I pick up a permit application?

For more information, please visit our Permits & Fees page.

5. Do I need to remove the oil tank located in my basement or underground?

If the oil tank is not being used as a primary fuel source it must be removed. Call Fire Headquarters at 413-786-2662 for details.

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1. Can the Agawam Law Department be my attorney?

No. The Agawam Law Department does not represent individuals in private legal matters. Attorneys in the office represent City departments, boards and elected officials in the course of their "business" as City entities. Private legal matters must be handled by attorneys retained by the individual.

Referrals for legal assistance dealing with private or personal matters may be obtained through the following Massachusetts Bar Association sources:
- Main Office
20 West Street
Boston, MA 02111-1204
Phone: 617-338-0500
- Springfield Office
73 State Street
Springfield, MA 01103
Phone: 413-731-5134

2. What’s the difference between the Agawam Law Department and the District Attorney’s Office?

The Agawam Law Department represents the Town of Agawam by defending it in lawsuits, advising the Mayor, the City Council, Boards and Agencies as they make decisions and draft local laws. The District Attorney’s Office engages in criminal prosecution of felonies, misdemeanors and infractions.

3. Can I file a criminal complaint with the Law Department?

No. The Agawam Law Department is not an investigative agency. Crimes must be reported to your local law enforcement agency, usually the Agawam Police Department:
- Emergency Phone: 911
- Non-Emergency Phone: 413-786-4767

4. What courts have jurisdiction for the Town of Agawam?

Various courts have jurisdiction for the Town of Agawam. The following State Courts:
- Hampden County Superior Court
50 State Street
P.O. Box 559
Springfield, MA 01102-0559
Phone: 413-748-7889
- Housing Court for Western Massachusetts
37 Elm Street
Springfield, MA 01103
Phone: 413-748-7838
- Westfield District Court
224 Elm Street
Westfield, MA 01085
Phone: 413-568-8946

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1. What do I do if online incident reporting is not right for me?

If your incident is an emergency, call 911. If your incident is a non-emergency, call 413-786-4767.

2. What if this happened in another city can I file a report using this online police citizen reporting system?

No, If a crime took place outside of the City of Agawam Police Department please call the police department for that city. For more information, please call 413-786-4767.

3. What if this happened on a state Freeway?

If this took place on a state Freeway please call the Highway Patrol Office nearest you. For more information, please call 413-786-4767.

4. What is a known suspect?

A known suspect is when you or someone else knows the person or where to find the person who committed the crime or the license plate number of the vehicle the suspect(s) were in. For more information, please call 413-786-4767.

5. What is a known suspect?

A known suspect is when you or someone else knows the person or where to find the person who committed the crime or the license plate number of the vehicle the suspect(s) were in. For more information, please call 413-786-4767.

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1. What are personal property taxes?

All personal property located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and personal property belonging to the residents of the Commonwealth wherever located, is subject to taxation unless expressly exempted by law.

For Fiscal Year of 2013 the City Council, at the request of the Mayor, voted in new legislation to raise the minimum taxable valuation on business personal property accounts from the low value of $500 to a more reasonable minimum value of $10,000. Passing this legislation helped the Mom and Pop and small corporate businesses that exist in our town.

2. What property is taxable?

Tangible (that is, physical) property is subject to the personal property tax unless exempted by statute. Items defined as tangible personal property range from the chairs in a barber shop, to the furnishings of a doctor’s waiting room; from the drills used by a dentist to the poles owed by a utility company. For a list of the taxation categories visit the Taxable Property page.

3. Where is personal property assessed?

Generally, all tangible personal property is assessed in the city or town in which the personal property is situated as of January 1. The principal exception in situations where personal property has only a temporary location as of January 1, the property is assessed at the residence of the owner.

4. What is the Form of List?

Each year, by March 1, all persons subject to taxation in a city or town must submit a list of all their personal property that is not exempt from taxation. These personal estate items must be included on the documentation known as the Form of List. Blank forms are available at the Assessor’s Office at:
36 Main Street
Agawam, MA 01001
Phone: 413-786-0400, ext. 8703.

Taxpayers are not required to estimate the value of the property included on the Form of List. The Assessor’s Office will determine the valuation, based on standard reference tables. In the event that a taxpayer does not submit the list, the Assessor will ascertain as best it can the personal estate belonging to the taxpayer and will estimate its value. Note: The Form of List is not open to public inspection.

5. Is there a penalty for not filing a Form of List?

There is a penalty for failing to file the Form of List pursuant to Massachusetts General Law’s c. 59, §64. A personal property taxpayer’s application for abatement may not be granted unless the taxpayer can show good cause for failure to file timely. Further, if the assessment of the personal estate exceeds by 50% the amount which would have been assessed had the list been timely filed, then only the amount which exceeds this 50% may be abated.

Information Requests - The Assessor’s Office may require an owner or lessee of personal property to provide certain information in writing, as may be reasonably necessary, to determine the actual fair cash valuation of the property. Failure to comply with the request within 30 days will bar any appeal of the tax assessed, unless the owner or lessee was unable to comply with the request for reasons beyond his or her control any false statement that is knowingly made will also bar the taxpayer from any statutory appeal.

6. Can personal property tax be abated?

Yes. However, applications for abatement of personal property tax are available only for 30 days after the issuance of the (first actual bill) which is usually the 3rd quarter tax bill. The filing deadline for Fiscal Year 2017 will be February 1, 2017. You can download an Application for Abatement (PDF).

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1. How are values determined?

The Assessor determines the market value of every parcel of property in a city or town as of each January 1. There are three approaches to value: market, income, and cost. For details about each of these approaches please view the Values Determined page.

2. What is an abatement?

An abatement is a reduction of property tax. It may be based on a reduction in the assessed value of taxable property, or a parcel may be exempted completely from the property tax based on ownership and use (a church, for example). A taxpayer may apply for abatement only for the current fiscal year and only if there is a dispute concerning the property valuation or the property classification. An application cannot be filed on taxes from previous years.

3. What are the requirements for an abatement of real property taxes?

A taxpayer may contest his or her tax liability on specific grounds, which include: overvaluation, disproportionate assessment, misclassification of real property, and statutory exemption. For details on these items please visit the Abatement Requirements page.

4. What are the procedures for filing for an abatement?

The Fiscal Year 2017 Application for Abatement is available immediately following the issuance of the (first actual bill) which usually is the 3rd quarter Fiscal Year 2017 tax bill.

The Fiscal Year 2017 application for Abatement of Real Estate Tax form is due no later than February 1, 2017.

Note: If you choose to mail your abatement application, it must bear a U.S. postmark dated no later than the deadline date. The assessor cannot waive this deadline and will not grant an abatement for forms received or post marked after the deadline date. Download and fill out the Application for Abatement (PDF).

5. What is classification?

In 1978 the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted a Constitutional amendment authorizing the General Court to classify real property into as many as four classes (residential, open space, commercial, and industrial) and to tax such classes differently. The Department of Revenue supervises the implementation of property classification. In Agawam, the determination to allocate the tax burden by class is made annually by the Town Council, with the approval of the Mayor.

6. What are the classes of property?

Assessors in Massachusetts assign all real property according to its use. The four classes are: Residential, Open Space, Commercial, and Industrial. For additional details on these four classes please view our Property Class page.

7. What should I do if I recently sold my property, but I am still receiving a tax bill?

If you receive a bill, please forward it to the new owner immediately as it is his / her responsibility to make payment. Otherwise the bill can be forwarded back to the Collector's Office, Town of Agawam at:
36 Main Street
Agawam, MA 01001

8. Who is responsible for the taxes if a property is sold after January 1?

Although the tax bill will bear the name of the assessed owner as of January 1, the new owner is responsible for all taxes once the sale of the property is finalized. The amount of tax owed by the old owner is determined at the time of closing and is typically deducted from the selling price. Once this deduction is made, the new owner must pay all bills, as they become due in order to avoid collection actions, including foreclosure. The lawyers assisting each party should already have investigated any outstanding taxes and obtained a Municipal Lien Certificate. Once the agreement is made, the new owner is obligated to pay any outstanding taxes due on the property.

9. How do I change my tax bill mailing address?

If you have a new address and want your bill mailed there permanently, you can request a Change of Tax Bill Mailing Address Form by calling the Assessor’s Office at 413-786-0400. Fill out the form have all owners of the property sign the form and return it directly to the Assessor’s Office at:
36 Main Street
Agawam, MA 01001
Change of Tax Bill Mailing Address Form

10. How can I change the tax bill to my name after purchasing a parcel of property?

The Collector’s Office is required by Massachusetts General Law to bill the assessed owner as of January 1, and must issue the bill of the same fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) to the owner as of January 1.

The name will change automatically on the next fiscal year bill. If, after the passage of time, the name still is not changed on the bill, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 413-786-0400, ext. 8700