Delinquent Charges / Licenses & Permits

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 57 states that the renewal or granting of Town licenses or permits may be denied if the taxpayer, owner, permit customer or subject property has any tax bills, water charges, betterments, assessments, or other municipal charges that are currently outstanding and unpaid.

The Town of Orleans Bylaws Chapter 94, Section 6 also states that if a taxpayer, owner, permit customer or subject property has tax bills, water charges, betterments, assessments, or other municipal charges past due, the renewal or granting of Town licenses or permits may be denied. (Bylaws Chapter 94-6)

Please contact our office if you have been denied a license or permit due to unpaid outstanding charges. We will tell you what you owe, from when the bill/charge originates, and your options for making prompt payment so that delays in the issuance of the license or permit can be avoided. In most cases, the issuance of the license or permit will occur the same day that the delinquent charges are paid.

Some of the most common delinquent charges of this nature include:

  • Real Estate taxes
  • Personal Property taxes
  • Motor Vehicle Excise taxes
  • Boat Excise taxes
  • Water Usage/Maintenance charges
  • Ambulance service charges
  • Fuel & Chemical Storage Tank Regulation fines

Some of the most common licenses and permits that this pertains to include:

  • Transfer Station Permits
  • Beach Parking Permits
  • Shellfishing Permits
  • Off-Road Vehicle Permits
  • Dockage and Mooring Permits
  • Health Department Licenses and Permits
  • Building Department Licenses and Permits
  • All common Business Licenses

Small past due amounts are expected to be paid in full. The Town Treasurer/Collector can offer a payment plan in circumstances where payment of the entire outstanding delinquent balance presents a financial difficulty. Payment plans are structured based upon the amount owed, cost of license or permit, ability to pay, and taxpayer/permit customer's good faith effort to pay.

Alternatively, you are also entitled to a hearing before the Licensing Authority and/or Board of Selectmen that issue the license/permit in question and have the opportunity to present evidence as to why the delinquency should not prevent your license or permit from being issued or renewed.

Contact the Treasurer/Collectors Department by calling 508-240-3700, ext. 2420 for information or assistance.