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Assessing Department - Owner

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1. What are the Fiscal 2018 Tax Rates?

Town – $14.29 per 1,000 in value

Sandwich Water District - $ .66 per 1,000 in value

North Sagamore Water - $.91 per 1,000 in value

Community Preservation Act - 3% of the Town tax

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Public Works - Owner

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1. What is the most efficient method to report an unplowed road following a winter storm?

Report an unplowed road after an event totaling three or more inches of snow town-wide via Sandwich311

2. Why do certain streets get more attention than others?

Plow routes are prioritized based on many factors including, but not limited to traffic volume, speeds, emergency needs, school bus routes, geographical characteristics of a road, and storm type.  The focus is on main roads first, followed by bus routes, hills, main subdivision roads, minor subdivision roads and, finally, sidewalks.  Depending on storm conditions, subdivision roads are not plowed until 3” of snow have accumulated.  During some storms, only the main roads within a subdivision will be plowed or treated with materials.  Please refer to the Winter Maintenance Policy within this site for more information on plowing policies and priorities.

3. Why do snow plows block my driveway with snow when they clear the road?

The DPW is sorry for this inconvenience.  Unfortunately, this is unavoidable since our first responsibility is to clear the roads for safe passage.  While snow plow operators try to minimize the amount of snow that is plowed into driveways, it is the owner’s responsibility to clear their driveway opening.  To avoid extra shovel work, try to shovel after the snow plow has driven by, and shovel the snow to the right side of your driveway as you face the road.  Visit our Winter Preparation page for a diagram of how to avoid the Second Shovel.

4. What If I Have a Medical Emergency and My Street Has Not Been Plowed of Snow Yet?

If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. If the rescue squad needs assistance getting to you they will notify the Public Works Department.

5. Why do snow plow operators drive with their blades up during a storm?

There are several reasons why snow plow operators are not always pushing back the snow.  They could be in operation to spread materials, may be headed back to fuel up, or the driver may not be responsible for that route and is driving to another street.

6. My mailbox was damaged during the winter storm, will the Town repair it?

The Town does not repair damaged mailboxes caused by snow plowing.  The Town will only repair or replace mailboxes if evidence shows that the actual plow blade hit the mailbox.  The Town is not responsible for damage to a mailbox from snow being plowed onto it.  If the plow blade damaged your mailbox please contact the DPW by phone (508-833-8002) or SeeClickFix and we will inspect the mailbox after the storm.

Mailboxes should be located 18 inches from the edge of road to minimize damage from snow plowing.  Residents should contact the Postal Service to determine proper location of the mailboxes.

7. The Town damaged my property (lawn, sprinkler, shrubs, etc), will they repair the damage?

The Town will not repair any damaged items that were located within the Town layout (i.e., right-of-way).   The Town layout typically extends 5 to 15 feet beyond the pavement (property owners can view the Town GIS Maps to view rough estimates of the town layout near their frontage).

To minimize damage to lawns, the Town recommends that residents install stakes or markers 6 to 12 inches off the edge of pavement to alert snow plow operators of the road edge.  The DPW recommends using 48-inch orange fiberglass markers with white reflective tape (see below).  Fiberglass markers will minimize damage to vehicles if accidently struck and the reflective tape is clearly visible to snow plow operators.  Markers are available at local hardware stores.  If residents have installed markers and still experience damage to their lawns (i.e., grass is torn up), they should contact the DPW for inspection following the storm.

8. Where can I direct my questions and comments?

You can contact the DPW at 508-833-8002

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Public Works Transfer Station FAQs

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1. What is Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT)?

Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) is a system much like electricity, gas or telephone under which the user pays a basic amount (sticker) that covers fixed costs and then a user fee (bags) for the amount used.

2. How does PAYT work?

You buy Town approved bags at stores where you usually shop. You put your trash in those bags and bring them to the Transfer Station to dispose of as you currently do with your trash.

3. When did Sandwich implement the program?

The program began on July 1, 2011.

4. Why did the Town implement the PAYT program?

The Town implemented PAYT to offset the increasing costs of trash disposal. PAYT allows each household to control their volume of trash disposal and the associated costs with excess disposal. PAYT encourages recycling which benefits everyone.

5. Is this a new idea in Massachusetts?

No, many communities in Massachusetts currently utilize a PAYT program.

6. How much will bags cost?

Pay-As-You-Throw Bag Fees

7. How much does the permit fee cost?

Transfer Station Permit Fee

8. What type of bags do we have to use?

Our PAYT bags will be BLUE and will be imprinted with the Town Seal and Town specific information. The bags will be 1.25 to 1.5 ml in thickness with drawstrings.

9. Does everyone have to purchase bags?

Yes. Everyone bringing their trash to the Transfer Station will have to purchase the PAYT bags.

10. Where can we buy bags?

Residents may purchase bags at many local stores.

11. What if I don’t have the proper bag?

You will not be able to dispose of your trash at the Transfer Station until it’s in the proper bag.

12. How many PAYT bags will we be able to dispose of each week?

There is no limit on the amount of PAYT bags you bring to the Transfer Station each week for disposal. The PAYT bag program is designed to offset the cost of trash disposal. Each resident controls how much they spend for their own trash disposal.

13. How does the Town minimize illegal dumping?

The Town regularly monitor areas which have historically had dumping issues. We use whatever means necessary to identify the offenders and fine them in accordance with Massachusetts State Law and Town Bylaws.  We would encourage all citizens to report offenders as well as engage the cooperation of our citizens for the success of the program.

14. Will there be any charge for recycling?

No. Standard recycling items (e.g., cans, plastics, bottles, paper) will remain free.

15. How do I dispose of non-routine items?

Non-routine items (e.g., refrigerators, TV’s, mattresses) can be dropped-off at the Transfer Station. A fee for each item will be charged to offset disposal costs.

16. How can I reduce my trash costs?

Practice the 3 R’s:

1. Reduce (e.g., compost, purchase products that are not wasteful in their packaging or use),
2. Re-use (e.g.,hand-me-downs, garage sales, clothing charities).
3. Recycle (e.g., paper, glass, plastics, cans).

17. How can residents using private haulers recycle?

Board of Health regulation requires private haulers to provide curb-side recycling.

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Town Collector - Owner

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1. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - What is the difference between real estate taxes and personal property taxes.

Real estate taxes are assessed on the value of land and buildings. Personal property taxes apply to homes that are not the primary resident of the owners. This tax is assessed on the value of the contents of the home.

2. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - How often are real estate and property tax bills mailed?

Bills are mailed out twice a year -- on or before June 30th and December 31st. The bills include two quarterly payment coupons with each mailing. 

3. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - Are real estate and property taxes in Sandwich paid semi-annually or quarterly?

Payments are due quarterly on the 1st of February, May, August and November. Bills are mailed on December 31st with the February and May payment coupons included. Bills are then mailed on June 30th with the August and November payment coupons included.

4. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - If I lost my bill or never received a bill, can I or a Tax Service send in payment?

Yes, you DO NOT need a bill to pay. Just indicate property-identifying information on your check...property address, name of owner, parcel number. 

5. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - Where do I send or bring my payment?

Payments may be mailed to:

Town of Sandwich, MA
Department 1200
PO Box 986535
Boston, MA 02298‐6535

Handed to a clerk at the Collector's window or paid on-line 

6. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - Why do return envelopes sent out by the town with tax bills have a return mailing address in Boston, MA?

The Town of Sandwich recently contracted with a payment processing company in Medford, MA to assist with the efficient processing of tax payments. All towns on Cape Cod now use these processing centers. Please feel free to mail your tax payments to this company. This helps with the timely processing of your payments.

7. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - Can I pay taxes on-line? Which ones? What information will I need? Can I get a receipt?

Tax bills, permits, and licenses for the Town of Sandwich can be paid on-line. It is fast, easy, and secure. Once you register, you can pay bills, get a receipt, sign up for email reminders of future bills, or set up automatic payments on the dates that you choose.

On-line payments made by credit card incur a fee by the credit card company that is a percentage of the payment (2.95%). Payments made by E-Check (a debit from your checking account using your bank account number and the bank’s routing number [both found at the bottom of your check]) incur a fee of 40 cents.

8. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - Why is the former owner’s name on my real estate tax bill?

The tax bill is mandated to be assessed to the owner of record as of the January lst assessment date for the fiscal year. It is very important that ownership changes and mail address updates are submitted to the Assessors Department in writing at the time of closing on a home purchase. Copies of deeds to the Town from the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds may be received many months after a transfer. Taxes are adjusted at the closing between the buyer and seller. Property may also be transferred several times within a fiscal year. 

9. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - If I pay my real estate or property tax bill late, will I be charged interest?

Yes. In accordance with State law, interest at the rate of 14 percent per annum will accrue on overdue payments from the due date until full payment is made.

There is no grace period, the final date to pay is the due date that appears on your bill. Postmarks cannot be accepted! We must "receive" the payment by the due date for it to be considered a timely payment.

10. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - What is the CPA tax?

CPA stands for Community Preservation Act. In accordance with state law and approved by a town meeting vote, owners of real property annually will be assessed, through 2020, an additional surtax in an amount equal to three percent of the real estate tax levied against those properties. The proceeds of this surtax may be expended, upon appropriation, for certain open space, historic resources, and affordable housing purposes.

11. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - What is the Water District tax? Is it the same as a water bill? Why does it show up on my Real Estate tax bill?

The Water District tax on real estate bills covers expenses of the Water District, such as water infrastructure and operational expenses. It is assessed to all property owners, even if they are not on town water. It is separate from water bills that pay for water usage.

12. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - Why doesn't my exemption show on my real estate bill?

Exemptions are granted by the Board of Assessors based on State guidelines for qualified elderly, veterans, and blind. Therefore, applications must be filed each tax year. Please check with the Assessor's Office for more information. 

13. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - I need to change my mailing address for my real estate and personal property tax bills; who do I contact?

To change your mailing address, contact the town Assessor's Office @ 508-888-0157. 

The Assessor's Office is located at:

100 Route 6A
Sandwich, MA 02563

14. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - When do name changes on real estate and personal property taxes take effect?

An owner of a property on January 1st will have their name on the Tax bills for the following Fiscal Year per Massachusetts State Law. For example, a property owner as of January 1, 2023 will have their name on the Tax Bills for Fiscal Year 2024.

15. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - How do I check to see if my mortgage company made my tax payment on time?

You can check the status of your real estate taxes on-line. Go to the Online Payments button and search for your bill. You can also call (508-833-8012) or email (taxcollector@townofsandwich.net) the Collector’s Office for this information. Please note mortgage companies generally do not make tax payments until the day before taxes are due.

16. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes - I’m filling out my annual federal and state tax returns, how can I obtain information on tax payments made during a calendar year?

Tax payment information can be accessed on-line and search for your address and past payment information. 

You can  email us taxcollector@townofsandwich.net or obtain the information by calling the Collector’s Office (508-833-8012).

17. Personal Property Taxes - I received a personal property tax bill; however, I sold my property. Am I responsible for this bill?

Personal Property tax is assessed and is the responsibility of the owner of record as of January 1st of the calendar year.

18. Personal Property Taxes - Why do I receive a personal property tax bill when other residents that I know do not?

Personal property tax applies to homes that are not the primary resident of the owners (businesses, vacation homes, second homes, investment properties). It is a tax on the assessed contents of the property. 

19. Personal Property Taxes - Are personal property taxes paid by a mortgage company like real estate taxes are?

No. Mortgage companies typically do not create an escrow account for personal property taxes.

20. Other Questions - Can one check be written for several tax bills?

Yes, there is NO limit. One check can be written for multiple parcels with multiple names, as long as the addition is correct and the office can easily identify how the payment(s) should be applied

21. Other Questions - How can I find out the map and parcel numbers for my property?

The map and parcel numbers are found on your tax bill or by calling the Tax Collector’s Office @508-833-8012. It is useful to put these numbers or your address on your tax payment.

22. Other Questions - How much are Municipal Lien Certificates?

The cost of a MLC is $50.00 per parcel. You can find a MLC request form on the Town Collector site . 

Mail that completed form with a check for $50.00 to the Collector’s Office at:

100 Route 6A
Sandwich, MA 02563

23. Beach Stickers - When do beach stickers and transfer station stickers go on sale, and for what period of the year are they good for?

he year are they good for? A. Beach stickers are good for a calendar year and transfer station stickers run on a fiscal year, which is July 1st to June 30th each year. Beach stickers go on sale in the early spring each year and are sold through September. Beach parking is monitored Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend each year. Transfer station stickers are available for sale all year long. Beach and transfer station stickers are sold on-line and at the Town Offices located at:

100 Route 6A
Sandwich, MA 02563

24. Beach Stickers - Can I get a beach sticker or transfer station sticker by mail?

Yes. Residents or taxpayers can request a sticker by mail. Request forms will be mailed in February with the annual automobile excise tax bill. Or, you can find a sticker request form on the Town of Sandwich website. With your completed request form, include a signed check with proper payment, a copy of your Sandwich real estate tax bill, a copy of your vehicle registration, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail.

25. Beach Stickers - I sold my car and forgot to remove the beach and transfer station stickers. Can I get replacement stickers for my new car?

Replacement stickers are available at the Town Offices for no charge if you bring in the sticker from your previous car. Without the sticker from the previous car, a replacement sticker costs $5.

26. Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes - When during the year do excise tax bills come out?

Annual excise tax bills are mailed by the Collector’s Office in late February. For vehicles purchased and registered during the year, prorated excise tax bills come out 1-2 months after the purchase after the Registry of Motor Vehicles notifies the Town of Sandwich.

27. Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes - Can you correct my mailing address on my automobile excise bill?

The Town of Sandwich cannot change these addresses. You need to notify the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and your insurance company of any address change immediately. (For the RMV, changes can be made on-line at http://www.massdot.state.ma.us) If you do not receive an excise bill, please contact the Collector’s Office @ 508-833-8012.

28. Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes - Who assesses the value of my vehicle?

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles assigns vehicle valuations.

29. Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes - I sold my vehicle (boat); how do I apply for abatement (rebate) of my excise tax?

Applications for abatement of excise taxes are handled by the Town of Sandwich Assessor’s Office

30. Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes - Who/what is the Deputy Collector, and what is his/her role?

Like many towns, the Town of Sandwich contracts with a private company to assist with debt collection on overdue automobile and boat excise taxes. Overdue excise bills are referred to the Deputy Collector. Bills sent by the Deputy Collector can be paid either at the Sandwich Collector’s Office (cash or certified/bank check only) or by phone (credit card) with the Deputy Collector (781-545-5125).

31. Boat Excise Taxes - When do boat excise tax bills come out?

Boat excise taxes are assessed on a fiscal year basis (July-June) and bills go out in July each year. For example, the FY 2017 bill is mailed out in July 2016.

32. Boat Excise Taxes - What is involved in determining whether a boat excise tax is owed to Sandwich or to another town?

Where the boat is moored or garaged is the determining factor on which town assesses the tax.

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Transfer Station

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1. What do I need to access the Transfer Station?

You need to purchase either an annual Permit or a One-Time pass to access the Transfer Station.

2. Where do I purchase a One-Time Pass or Non-Routine Ticket?

One-Time Passes and Non-Routine Tickets can be purchased at the Tax Collector's Office by cash or check only or at the Transfer Station solar Kiosk by cash or credit / debit card.

3. Do I need to use Pay-As-You-Throw bags with a One-Time-Pass?

Yes, any method of access to dispose household solid waste requires the use of Sandwich Pay-As-You-Throw bags.

4. Can I dispose non-routine items or leaves & grass clippings with a One-Time Pass?

No, only household solid waste and everyday recycling can be disposed with a One-Time Pass.

5. How do I dispose bulky items if I own a small car?

By using a trailer or hiring a local disposal contractor.  Only permitted vehicles are allowed access to dispose bulky-items.

6. When will compost be available to Transfer Station permit holders?

Compost is typically screened and made available to Transfer Station permit holders mid-May.

7. Does the Sandwich Transfer Station operate a "swap-shop"?

The Sandwich Transfer Station does not operate a "swap-shop".  Instead, users are encourage to donate their reusable items at a recycling organization

8. Where do I dispose prohibited Transfer Station items?

Brush and demolition can be disposed at an alternative facility.  Household hazardous waste can be disposed at annual collection events.

9. How do I dispose oil or gas soaked rags?

Oil or gas soaked rags can be disposed at one of four annual Upper Cape Household Hazardous Waste Collections organized by the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension