How to Pay Bills and Taxes to the City of Worcester

Paying bills and taxes is a fact of life, even when living in a great city like Worcester, MA The City of Worcester offers residents and businesses multiple options to pay municipal bills conveniently and securely This article will outline the various bills you may need to pay to the city, where to pay them online or in person, and tips for staying on top of your payments.

Common Bills Issued by the City of Worcester

As a full-service municipality the City of Worcester issues bills and collects payment for a range of services and taxes. Here are some of the most common bills Worcester property owners and residents may receive

• Property Tax Bill – Based on assessed value of land and buildings. Issued annually for residential and commercial properties.

• Water/Sewer Bill – Charges water usage and sewer service fees Issued monthly or quarterly

• Trash/Recycling Bill – Covers solid waste collection and disposal. Issued monthly or quarterly.

• Excise Tax Bill – Annual tax levied on registered motor vehicles. Based on vehicle value.

• Parking Tickets – Issued by Worcester Police for parking violations.

• Dog License – Annual license required for pet dogs in the city.

• Fire Inspection/Permit Fees – Charges for commercial fire prevention inspections and permits.

• Business Certificate – Annual fee for corporations doing business in the city.

Knowing which city bills and taxes apply to you is the first step in paying on time. The amount due and payment deadlines will be printed on each bill or tax statement.

Pay Bills Online

The City of Worcester offers an online payment system that allows quick and convenient payment of many municipal bills. Available 24/7 at WorcesterMA.gov/Online-Payments.

You can pay the following bills online:

• Property taxes
• Excise tax
• Water/sewer
• Trash fees
• Parking tickets
• Dog licenses
• Fire permits/fees
• Business certificates
• Cemetery bills

The online payment system accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or electronic check. A third-party service fee may apply.

Pay Bills by Mail or In-Person

If you prefer to pay city bills by mail or in person, here are your options:

• Mail – Detach payment stub from bill and mail with check payable to City of Worcester at PO Box 15588, Worcester, MA 01615-0588

• Drop box – Place payment (check or money order only) in secure drop box behind City Hall at 455 Main St.

• In person – Pay bill at City Hall Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Accepts cash, check, credit/debit.

• M&T Bank – Pay property tax, excise tax, water/sewer bills at any M&T branch location.

Check each bill for the proper mailing address and acceptable payment methods. Allow 5 business days for mailed payments.

Tips for Paying City Bills on Time

Here are some tips to ensure your city bills and taxes remain paid up and avoid any penalties:

• Pay online for fastest processing and convenience
• If mailing payment, allow 1 week lead time before due date
• Sign up for automatic monthly payments to avoid forgetting
• Update your address if you move to keep bills coming properly
• Check bills closely and report any errors immediately
• Contact the city if you can’t pay on time to avoid penalties
• Keep records of payments and confirmation numbers

Paying on time prevents additional fees and penalties for late payments. And it keeps your accounts in good standing.

Options if You Can’t Pay on Time

If you are struggling financially and unable to pay a city bill by the due date, contact the department that issued the bill immediately. You may be able to setup a payment plan to avoid incurring penalties or having service disrupted.

The City of Worcester aims to be understanding of resident and business hardships. By communicating early, you have the best chance to make alternative arrangements.

For property taxes specifically, Massachusetts offers exemptions and abatements that can lower your tax burden based on financial hardship, disability status or other criteria. Learn more about relief programs.

Getting Help with Bill Questions

If you have any questions about city-issued bills and taxes, contact information is provided on each statement to call the relevant department. The Treasury office can also answer general questions at 508-799-1240.

For problems like high water bills due to a leak, missing bills, or any billing errors – reach out to the city right away to have the issue investigated and corrected. The sooner you ask, the faster you will get answers and relief.

The City of Worcester aims to provide residents and businesses with efficient billing and payment options. Paying online is the most convenient way to stay on top of municipal taxes, fees, and other city invoices as they are issued throughout the year.