The Town of Dedham operates on a fiscal year that starts on July 1st and ends on June 30th each year. The Town use a quarterly tax billing system, so tax bills are mailed out four times per year, outlined below:
- First Quarter: July 1 (Preliminary Tax Bill)
- Second Quarter: October 1 (Preliminary Tax Bill)
- Third Quarter: January 1 (Actual Tax Bill)
- Fourth Quarter: April 1 (Actual Tax Bill)
Be on the lookout for your First Quarter tax bill for Fiscal Year 2025. The Town of Dedham sends out tax bills 30 days before the due date. Quarterly tax bills are DUE on the following dates:
- First Quarter bills: August 1
- Second Quarter bills: November 1
- Third Quarter bills: February 1
- Fourth Quarter bills: May 1
Reminder: If the first of the month falls on a weekend, your bill is due on the following Monday.
What does “preliminary tax” mean?
The preliminary tax is based on the prior year’s adjusted net tax on the property plus the 2.5 percent tax increase allowed under Proposition 2 ½ (and any tax increase attributable to approved overrides or exclusions, if any). The preliminary tax is payable in two equal installments; due on August 1st and November 1st as mentioned above.
After the Town of Dedham sets its tax rate, the Assessors make the actual tax commitment and the Collector mails actual tax bills for the year. The Third Quarter actual tax bills will have the new valuation set by the Assessors and approved by the Department of Revenue, as well as the new set tax rate approved by our local Select Board.
How is my “actual” tax calculated?
Your actual tax is calculated by taking the new assessment valuation per thousand multiplied by the new tax rate. The actual tax due is the balance after the first and second preliminary tax installments are credited against the total tax due. The actual tax is payable in two equal installments; due on February 1st and May 1st as mentioned above.
Are there any tax relief programs available?
The Town of Dedham provides multiple opportunities for tax relief to taxpayers who meet specific criteria. Please review the following criteria, outlined in M.G.L. c. 59, § 5, to determine if you may be eligible for an exemption or deferral:
- Blind persons
- Qualifying surviving spouses
- Minor children of deceased parent
- Elderly persons
- Qualifying Veterans
- Religious and charitable organizations
An application for all above mentioned exemptions is available on our website at www.dedham-ma.gov/assessor under “Tax Relief” and paper copies are available at the Assessors Office at Town Hall, located on the second floor.
Taxation Aid Fund: The Town of Dedham established the Taxation Aid Fund to provide tax assistance for elderly and disabled Dedham residents to defray the costs of their property taxes. Qualified recipients must be resident homeowners with limited income and assets. Funding will be by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses and organizations the sole intent of which is to provide real estate property tax relief for the most vulnerable members of our community.
To learn more about this fund, please visit www.dedham-ma.gov/taxaidfund or contact the Treasurer/Collector Office at 781-751-9160. Applications are due November 1 and are distributed by December 31.
If you have questions about the tax relief programs, if you have questions about your assessed value, or if you need assistance completing the application, please contact the Assessors Office at 781-751-9130 or stop by Town Hall.
