A Guide to Paying Bills and Taxes for the Town of Dartmouth

As a resident of Dartmouth, you may receive bills and invoices from various town departments and offices throughout the year. From property taxes to utilities, parking tickets, and more, the town aims to make paying your local bills as convenient as possible. This guide will overview the major bills you may receive living in Dartmouth and explain the simple online and in-person payment options available.

Property Taxes

One of the largest regular bills homeowners and some businesses receive is the annual property tax bill. This covers the taxes levied on real estate and personal property owned in Dartmouth.

• Real estate tax – Based on the assessed value of land and buildings Issued annually by July 1 and due in quarterly installments

• Personal property tax – Tax on business equipment fixtures, and furnishings. Due annually by May 1.

• Motor vehicle excise – Tax on registered vehicles based on value. Renewed annually and added to existing bill.

Property taxes can be paid:

• Online via the Town of Dartmouth Online Payments portal
• By phone at (508) 910-1806
• By mail to the Dartmouth Tax Collector P.O. Box
• In person at the Tax Collector’s Office

Discounts, exemptions, and abatements may be available for qualified taxpayers. Visit the Tax Collector’s page for details.

Utility Bills

Dartmouth utility bills cover water, sewer, trash, recycling and other services. Usage is metered and billed monthly or quarterly. Utility bills can be paid:

• Online via the Online Payments portal
• By phone
• By mail
• Automatically via bank account deductions

Parking & Traffic Fines

Fines for parking violations and other traffic offenses issued in Dartmouth can be paid:

• Online via the Online Payments portal
• By phone
• By mail
• In person at the Tax Collector’s Office

Boat, Trailer & Other Registration Permits

Certain recreational vehicles kept in Dartmouth require local permits and registrations:

• Boat trailer permit – Due annually for any boat trailer
• Boat mooring permit – Required for all moorings
• Beach parking sticker – For parking at town beaches
• Boat launch permit – For launching boats at town ramps

These permits can be purchased or renewed:

• Online via the Online Payments portal
• By phone
• By mail
• In person at applicable town offices

Building, Licensing & Inspection Fees

For new construction, renovations or operating certain businesses in Dartmouth, various permits and licensing fees apply. These include:

• Building permits – Issued by the Building Department
• Business licenses – Issued by the Town Clerk’s office
• Electrical/plumbing/gas permits – Issued by Inspections Department
• Food service licenses – Issued by the Health Department

Fees are paid at the issuing department, either in person or via mail.

Trash Bag & Recycling Bin Sales

Dartmouth provides curbside trash and recycling collection services to residents. Special town bags and bins must be used. These can be purchased:

• At various retail locations in Dartmouth
• By phone through the Department of Public Works
• In person at the DPW offices

Other Town Bills

Less common bills you may receive from Dartmouth include:

• False alarm fees – For excessive false security alarms requiring police response
• Ambulance service charges – If you utilized the municipal ambulance service
• Public records requests – Fees for extensive public records requests
• Returned check fines – For checks returned unpaid by your bank

Each department handles their own billing and collections. Check your bill for payment instructions or contact the department directly with any questions.

Paying Town of Dartmouth Bills Online

For convenience, many common Town of Dartmouth bills can be paid online via the town’s Online Payments portal at Pay Bills Online.

On the secure payment site, you can:

• Pay with credit/debit card or e-check
• Store payment methods for future use
• Access billing history and statements
• Pay multiple bills in one transaction
• Set up recurring payments
• Receive email receipts

Payment confirmation is immediate and charges post to your account within 48 hours. Convenience fees apply to online payments.

Having Trouble Paying a Town Bill?

If you are having trouble paying a bill issued by the Town of Dartmouth, it is important to communicate early before the debt grows. Consider the following steps:

• For tax bills, ask the Tax Collector about discount, exemption, and abatement programs you may qualify for. Senior, veteran, disability, and low-income programs are available.

• For high utility bills, contact the Water Department to review usage and discuss conservation measures or payment plans.

• For all bills, you can request a payment plan to spread balances over 3-6 months. Automatic payments are required.

• If a bill will cause financial hardship, provide income documentation to see if you qualify for reduced fees or waiver.

• Review bills carefully and dispute any charges you believe are billed incorrectly. Raise issues promptly.

• If you miss a payment deadline, contact the billing department right away to avoid penalties. Late fees may be waived if you set up a plan.

The Town of Dartmouth aims to be reasonable in working with citizens facing financial struggles. By being proactive and communicating early, you can often find a solution and avoid further issues.

Review bills promptly, utilize online payments, and reach out to billing departments with any questions or concerns. We are here to help!