A Land Court citation is official notice that the City has filed a complaint to foreclose rights of redemption for non-payment of real estate taxes on a parcel which you may own or in which you may have another type of legal interest. Any parties who have been served who do not answer the Land Court citation by the return day indicated on the citation may be defaulted from the case.

Please consult your attorney or the Land Court, 226 Causeway Street, 2d Floor, Boston, MA 02114, for information on filing an Answer.

Yes, you can enter into a payment plan unless you defaulted on a previous payment plan. Taxpayers must request payment plans in writing.

Please send your payment plan request to the City of New Bedford Treasurer’s Office, Tax Title Division. The Tax Title Division will respond to your request; taxpayers must agree to certain conditions and make payments beginning 30 days after the plan is signed.

No, Massachusetts’ law does not authorize the City to waive or compromise taxes. In some circumstances, the City of New Bedford may forgive up to 40% of the interest. Generally taxpayers must pay the taxes or qualify for an abatement. 

Under Massachusetts’ law, failure to receive a property tax bill does not affect the validity of the tax or any interest or fines incurred due to late payments. It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to secure his or her tax bill when one is not received. You can request a duplicate tax bill to the City of New Bedford Treasurer’s office.