Message from the Tax Collector

The Tax Collector's Office is responsible for collecting, processing and balancing property taxes on all real estate, motor vehicles, and personal property located in the Town of Plainfield.  In addition to property taxes, we also collect sewer use and sewer assessment charges.  More than 25,000 tax bills, delinquent statements, Tax Collector Demands, lien notices and reminders are mailed and processed each year.  Liens are recorded in the Land Records for all unpaid real estate, personal property, and sewer accounts each year.  All motor vehicle accounts that are not paid when due are reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles as delinquent and registrations cannot be obtained or renewed until all bills are paid in full.  Various reports are filed with the State Office of Policy and Management for reimbursements to the Town on programs that benefit elderly and disabled taxpayers.  We also provide a great deal of information to attorneys, title searchers, banks and the general public.

During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013, we collected in excess of $22,000,000.00 in taxes, $1,319,000.00 in Sewer Use and $89,000.00 in Sewer Assessment charges.  Delinquent interest and lien fees collected were in excess of $290,000.00.  These figures represent a 98% collection rate on the current levy and 100% when back taxes are included.  We have met and exceeded the expectations of the Board of Finance.

Dealing with delinquent accounts is always a difficult task.  We have made great headway with these accounts over the past four years.  We have many, many people on monthly payment plans which we monitor regularly. 

For those delinquent motor vehicle and personal property accounts where payment plans have not been arranged, we have obtained the services of a collection agency.  This company has the capability to locate people throughout the United States and to also bring them to Small Claims Court.  Collections on these accounts have exceeded $33,000.00. 

 For those accounts with delinquent real estate taxes and sewer use charges where payment plans have not been arranged, Tax Collector Warrants are generally issued and sent to a State Marshal for service. 

 If the State Marshal is unsuccessful in collecting the taxes due, the next step in the collection process is Tax Collector's Sale of the property.  We have obtained the services of an Attorney who specializes in this field.  Over the past two years, we have collected almost $1,000,000.00 in back and current taxes and sewer use charges using this method.   The use of all of these collection tools will continue in the upcoming years to meet the financial needs of the Town.

Tax Bill/Payment Lookup