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1. Who must file?

Any person conducting business under any title other than the complete real name of the owner, whether individually or as a partnership. Any corporation doing business in a name other than the corporate name. (Must be filed by a corporate officer). INC., CORP., and LTD., may only be used by a corporation.

2. Where does one file?

File with the Office of the Town Clerk, in person, in every city or town where an office of any such person, partnership, or corporation may be situated.

3. What about a change?

Upon discontinuing, retiring, or withdrawing from such business or partnership, or in the case of a change of residence of such person or of the location where the business is conducted; such form must be filed with the Office of the Town Clerk.

4. Does a business certificate expire?

A business certificate is in force and in effect for 4 years from the date of issue. A new filing must be made every 4 years as long as the business is conducted.

5. Do I have to display the certificate?

No, but you must provide a copy on request, during regular business hours, to any person who has purchased goods or services from such business.

6. What is the application process?

Although the Town / City Clerk’s Office issues only the business certificate dealing with the DBA, there may be other licenses, permits, and/or requirements for you to conduct your business within the Town of Winchester. It is the full responsibility of the business owner to research such requirements. In an effort to notify you of the town’s requirements, we ask that you receive a stamp of approval from the Building Office and the Tax Collector. Once those stamps have been filled out, you may return to the Town Clerk for the business certificate.

7. May I file by mail?

Yes. Access the online application (PDF) and send the completed document to the Winchester Town Clerk located at:

Town Hall

71 Mt. Vernon St.

1st Floor

Winchester, MA 01890

All persons applying for a business certificate, and named on the form, must appear before a notary public, and personally, to have their signatures witnessed. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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1. What is the difference between the Winchester Seniors Association (WSA) and the Council on Aging (COA)?

The WSA is a private not-for-profit organization which maintains the Jenks Senior Center which is owned by the WSA Trust. In addition, they plan for all the travel and activities which are offered at the Jenks Center.

The COA is a public not for profit town-appointed board which hires a professional staff to provide social services, health services, legal and financial services, education, and advocacy for all Winchester seniors.

2. What does the COA charge for its services and programs?

The COA does not charge for its programs or services. At times, donations are requested to help defray the cost of programs. However, no one is excluded by his or her inability to donate.

3. What kind of transportation is available for seniors?

The COA provides transportation within Winchester and to contiguous towns for medical appointments 5 days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This transportation is provided by senior volunteer drivers. To arrange a ride, one must call 2 working days before the ride is needed, the number is 781-721-7136.

The COA provides medical transportation for medical appointments and treatments in Boston and other areas outside of Winchester. To arrange a ride please call a week in advance of the appointment.

Transportation is provided to our nutrition site courtesy of Salter Health Care. Transportation can be arranged when calling to sign up for meals.

4. Do you provide nursing, home health, and homemaker services?

The COA has a registered nurse who visits people at home, helps seniors make plans for community care, and consults with family and physicians. She does not provide physical care. The COA does not have home-health aides or homemakers but the nurse or social worker can help you find these services.

5. Can you help with health insurance problems?

Yes! The COA has trained volunteers called SHINE Counselors who help seniors explore the options and complications of the various kinds of insurance and prescription drug programs. They are available to answer all health benefit questions.

6. What is the Community Service Reimbursement Program?

This program has been set up by the town and is run by the COA. For seniors 60 years or older who own their own home and are income eligible, jobs are available in the schools, library, and Town Hall. For doing 125 hours of community service a year, the senior receives $1,500 off their property tax. This is a program which accepts middle-income seniors.

7. Can you help with housing problems and handyman problems?

Our social worker will discuss with seniors and families the housing resources available and the factors to consider when making a change. We also have senior volunteers to help do handyman chores for the price of the supplies required.

8. Do you have support groups available?

Our social worker conducts a caregivers group on the 4th Thursday of every month at 11:00am and a Low Vision Support Group on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 11:00am.

9. What kinds of educational programs do you offer?

The COA presents programs with financial, legal, and service resource information essential to seniors. Programs are held to educate seniors on health insurance, Social Security, and other entitlements. The Savvy Senior Symposium and the Brennan Lecture, which are presented yearly with the WSA, address subjects of vital interest to seniors.

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1. What is Motor Excise Tax?

Chapter 60A of Massachusetts General Laws imposes an excise for the privilege of registering a motor vehicle or a trailer on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The excise is levied annually in lieu of a tangible personal property tax.

The excise is levied by the city or town where the vehicle is principally garaged, and the revenues become part of the local community treasury.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles prepares data for excise bills according to the information on the motor vehicle registration and sends it to city or town assessors. Cities and towns then prepare bills based on excise data sent by the registry in compliance with registry requirements.

2. How is the Motor Excise Tax determined?

The amount of the excise is based on the value of the motor vehicle, which is based upon the manufacturers list price.

The following percentages of the manufacturer's list price are applied:

• In the year preceding the designated year of manufacture (brand new car released before model year): 50%
• In the designated year of manufacture: 90%
• In the 2nd year: 60%
• In the 3rd year: 40%
• In the 4th year: 25%
• In the 5th and succeeding years: 10%

Once the value of the vehicle is determined, an excise at the rate of $25 per thousand is assessed. Excises are assessed annually, on a calendar-year basis, by the assessors of the city or town in which the vehicle is garaged.

If a vehicle is registered after January 31, it is taxed for the period extending from the first day of the month in which it is registered to the end of the calendar year. For example , if a vehicle is registered on April 30, it will be taxable as of April 1, for the 9 months of the year (April through December). In no event shall the excise be assessed for less than $5 nor shall an abatement or refund under Section 1 of Chapter 60A reduce an excise to less than $5.

3. Where should I mail the motor excise payment?

Please mail payment to:
Office of the Tax Collector
Town of Winchester
71 Mt. Vernon St.
Winchester, MA 01890

Please make checks payable to: Town of Winchester.

For proper crediting, write the bill number on the check and enclose the top portion of your tax bill. To obtain a receipt, enclose a self addressed stamped envelope and both portions of the bill with the payment. One will be stamped "paid" and returned.

4. When are the payments due for Motor Excise?

Payment of the motor vehicle excise is due within 30 days from the date the excise bill is issued (not mailed, as is popularly believed).

Please note, a person who does not receive a bill is still liable for the excise plus any interest charges accrued. Therefore, it is important to keep the registry, the Town of Winchester, and the post office informed of a current name and address so that the excise bills can be delivered promptly.

All owners of motor vehicles must pay an excise tax, therefore, it is the responsibility of the owner to contact the Office of the Tax Collector if you have not received a bill.

5. What if I do not receive a motor excise tax bill?

You can request a statement by calling the Town Treasurer’s Office at 781-721-7124.

6. What if I mail in my motor excise tax payment late?

If an excise is not paid within 30 days from the issue date, the account will be assessed a $15 demand charge. If payment in full (including the demand charge) is not received within 14 days of the date of issue of the demand, an additional $22 warrant charge will assessed. If payment in full (including the demand and warrant charges) is not received within 30 days of the date of issue of the warrant charge, a service warrant will be delivered to the taxpayers residence and an additional $17 will be assessed.

If the payment in full (including the demand, warrant, and service of warrant charges) is not received within 14 days, the office of the Tax Collector notifies the Registry of Motor Vehicles of non-payment, and the registry then marks the individual’s registration preventing the renewal of the motor vehicle registration and the owner’s drivers license until such time as the Registry of Motor Vehicles is notified that payment in full of all outstanding vehicles taxes and parking tickets has been made to the Town of Winchester.

This payment includes a $20 release fee as the final assessment. Interest accrues on the overdue bill from the day after the due date until the date of payment at an annual rate of 12%. Only payment in full for each excise tax bill is accepted. Any partial payment will be returned. Payment in full includes all charges and interest.

7. My vehicle’s registration and my driver license have been marked for non-renewal at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, how do I clear this at the registry?

Once payment of all outstanding excise and parking tickets in money order, bank check, or cash is made, the town will give the motorist a certified receipt of payment, so he/she can return to the registry to renew his/her registration or license.

8. Can I make partial payments on motor excise?

No. Only payment in full for each excise tax bill is accepted. Any partial payment will be returned to the taxpayer via US mail. Payment in full includes all charges and interest.

9. What do I do if I sell or trade my car?

If an excise bill is received for a vehicle which was traded, it is recommended to:

• Pay the bill in full and provide a copy of the new registration with an application for abatement with the Assessors Office which can be reached at 781-721-7111.
  
  

If an excise bill is received for a vehicle which has been sold it is recommended to:

• Pay the bill in full, and return the plates to the Registry of Motor Vehicles
• Get a return plate receipt
• File an application for abatement with the Assessors Office

10. What do I do if I move out of Winchester?

If a motor vehicle owner moves within Massachusetts, he/she should:

• Pay the motor vehicle excise if he/she resided in the Town of Winchester on January 1st
  
  

If the owner moved before the 1st of the year, he/she must pay the tax to the new community to which the owner moved. If the owner did not notify the registry that he/she moved before the 1st of the year, it may be necessary to file for an abatement with the Town of Winchester, which had sent the excise bill.

File the abatement at the Town of Winchester Assessors Office, which can be reached at 781-721-7111.

If a motor vehicle owner moves out of Massachusetts, he/she should:

• Pay the motor vehicle if he/she resided in the Town of Winchester on January 1st.
• Return the plates to the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts
• Get a return plate receipt
• Apply for a partial refund with the Town of Winchester Assessors Office

11. Am I entitled to an abatement?

If an owner of a motor vehicle thinks that he/she is entitled to an adjustment of his/her excise bill, it is strongly recommended that he/she:

• Pay the bill in full, then contact the Town of Winchester Assessors office for instructions on how to complete an application for an abatement. The Assessors Office must receive application for abatement by December 31 of the year following the year of the tax.

Please note, if excise tax bills are unpaid, an owner risks incurring late fees and penalties that are non-refundable or waived.

Abatements can be filed if:

• The owner believes the assessment is incorrect, or
• If the vehicle was stolen, or
• If the vehicle was sold during the year in which it is being taxed and the registration was properly cancelled, or
• If the owner moved from the Town of Winchester to another city or town, or
• If the registration is cancelled, it is most important to return the plate(s) to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and to obtain a return plate receipt

When an abatement is granted, excise bills are prorated by the month. Thus the owner is responsible for the excise accrued through the month in which the car was last registered to him/her.

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1. Are there any parking bans in Winchester?

There is no parking on any public street between 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. for more than 1 hour. This ban is in effect year round.

2. How long do I have to pay a parking ticket?

Payment must be made within 21 days of the date of issue. A fine increase will be assessed if the violation remains unpaid after 21 days. If it remains unpaid, the violation is forwarded to the Registry of Motors Vehicles to be marked for non-renewal, and additional fines and penalties will be assessed.

3. What happens if I pay a parking ticket late?

Full payments are required for parking tickets. All additional fees and charges need to be included with a late payment. Partial payments will be returned.

4. What happens if I do not pay a parking ticket?

If a parking ticket goes unpaid past 21 days, a fine increase is applied and a notice is sent to the registered owner. If it is not paid after the first notice, the Town of Winchester sends out a 2nd notice without any additional charges. If that is not paid, the violation is forwarded to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles for non-renewal of the registered owners drivers license or motor vehicle registration.

There shall be an additional registry fee of $20 assessed in accordance with Section 20A1/2 of Chapter 90 Massachusetts General Laws (as amended by Section 22 Chapter 153 of the Acts of 1992).

5. How do I appeal a parking ticket?

To appeal a parking ticket, you may request a hearing in person at:

• Winchester Police Station
  30 Mt. Vernon St.
  Winchester, MA 01890
• Winchester Parking Clerk
  71 Mt. Vernon St.
  Winchester, MA 01890

You can also complete the Request for Hearing Form (PDF) and mail it to:
Town of Winchester Parking Clerk
71 Mt. Vernon St.
Winchester, MA 01890

Questions concerning the violation or hearing process can be answered over the phone by calling the Office of the Parking Clerk at 781-721-7123 between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and Friday from 8:30a.m. until noon.

When requesting a hearing, be sure to indicate the nature of the dispute as clearly as possible and include your name, address, the plate registration, and the ticket number(s) to be disputed.

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1. When do I need a building permit?

A building permit is required to construct, alter, or demolish a structure or to install a sign. A building permit must be obtained before the start of any work and must be prominently posted at the job site.

2. What requirements must be met prior to applying for a building permit?

The work must be in compliance with the Winchester Zoning Bylaw and the Massachusetts State Building Code.

3. Can the Building Department refer a contractor or builder to you?

It is considered to be a conflict of interest for the Building Department to refer a contractor or builder to you. There is a list of permits that were filed for work being performed in town that has the contractor’s name / address / phone number.

4. What are the regulations regarding accessory buildings?

No building permit is required for accessory building. A zoning compliance form is required. An accessory building that is located in the rear yard requires a 5-foot setback from the side and rear property lines, and must be located at least 15 feet away from any other building on the lot. If located anywhere else on the property, setbacks will be determined according to the district.

5. What are the setback requirements from my property boundary lines?

Setbacks change with the zoning districts in which they are located. Zoning districts can be determined by consulting the zoning map (PDF) / zoning bylaw (PDF) or by calling the Building Department any weekday during business hours.

6. Is a permit required for fencing and what are the requirements?

Other than swimming pool fencing and fencing on corner lots, the Building Department has no jurisdiction regarding the placement of fencing. No permit is required unless fencing is higher than 7 feet.

7. How do I file a zoning complaint?

All requests for zoning enforcement must be made in writing. For enforcement purposes, Town Counsel has advised that requests for zoning enforcement must be signed with the complainant standing behind his/her allegations if court action is warranted.

8. Can a homeowner file for building permit without a state licensed and registered builder?

There are provisions in the State Building Code for homeowners to sign a “Homeowner Builders’ License Exemption” form in that the homeowner assumes responsibility for compliance with the state building code and other applicable codes, bylaws, rules, and regulations. However, when a homeowner signs the waiver from the Home Improvement Contractor registration, he will not have access to the arbitration program or guaranty fund, as set forth under MGL C. 142A. A homeowner must live on the premises to sign the exemption form and it is not meant for resale fixer-uppers.

9. Can a homeowner file for a wiring or plumbing permit?

Only state-licensed persons shall file for and be issued wiring and plumbing / gas permits prior to performing electrical and plumbing / gas work.

10. When can I call for an inspection?

Inspection requests must be made to the inspector directly by the contractor, electrician, or plumber. Office hours for inspectors are 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

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1. What are the due dates for real estate taxes?

Tax bills are issued 4 times a year. The quarterly tax payments are due on or around the following dates:

• August 1st
• November 1st
• February 1st
• May 1st

View the current residential tax rate.

2. What if I don’t receive a real estate tax bill?

You can request a statement by calling the Town Treasurer’s Office at 781-721-7123.

3. What should I do if I'm a new owner?

If you are a new property owner and have not received your tax bill from the previous owner, you can request a statement from the Town Treasurer's Office at 781-721-7123.

4. What happens if I pay my real estate tax late?

Interest of 14% per annum will start accruing at the close of business on the due date.

Under state law, Chapter 60, Section 3, failure to receive a bill does not affect the validity of the tax or any interest or fines incurred due to late payment(s). It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to secure his/her tax bill when 1 is not received.

5. Where do I mail my real estate tax payment?

Please mail payment to:
Office of the Tax Collector
Town of Winchester
71 Mt. Vernon St.
Winchester, MA 01890

Please make checks payable to: Town of Winchester.

For proper crediting, write the bill number on the check and enclose the remit portion of your tax bill. To obtain a receipt, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and both portions of the bill with the payment. One copy will be stamped "paid" and returned.

6. How do I change the old owner’s name that appears on the tax bill after purchasing the property?

All changes of owner and/or address must be in writing and directed to the Assessors Office. This will change the mail to portion of the bill; the permanent change will take place when the Assessors Office receives the deed from the Registry of Deeds.

7. What happens if there is an overpayment on my real estate tax?

Overpayment will be applied to the next quarter unless it is the last quarter of the Fiscal Year. If an overpayment is made on the last quarter, it will be refunded to the person or mortgage company that caused the credit balance.

8. What happens if I don’t pay my real estate tax?

Tax payments must be received on or before the due date to avoid interest and demand charges. If payment is not made on or before the due date, the account will begin to accrue interest at the rate of 14% per annum, computed from the date the bill was due.

At 15 days after a 4th quarter bill, a demand notice will be sent and a demand fee is charged against the account.

If the account remains delinquent after further attempts to notify owners and collect unpaid real estate taxes, the owner’s name, address, and the amount owed will be advertised in the Winchester Star, additional fees will be assessed, and a tax lien will be placed on the property and recorded with the Registry of Deeds. A tax lien is the first step in the foreclosure process. All taxes, costs, and interest must be paid to prevent foreclosure.

9. What should I do if I recently sold my property, but I am still receiving a tax bill?

If you receive a bill, please forward it to the new owner immediately as it is his/her responsibility to make payment.

10. How do I get a Municipal Lien Certificate, how much will it cost, and when will I receive it?

If you wish to obtain a Municipal Lien Certificate, the following information is required:

• Current Owner
• Property Address

Self-addressed stamped envelope is required if you wish the municipal lien certificate mailed to you.

The fee for a Municipal Lien Certificate is $60 for a residential property and $105 for commercial property. Acceptable forms of payment:

• Attorney’s check
• Cash (if in person)
• Certified or registered check
• Personal check

Mail payment to the following:
Office of the Tax Collector
Town of Winchester
71 Mt. Vernon St.
Winchester, MA 01890

The Municipal Lien Certificate will be issued within 10 business days.

11. Have you received my real estate payment from my bank?

You can request that information by calling the Town Treasurers Office at 781-721-7123.

12. What if I am buying a condominium that is in the middle of a conversion?

Until the conversion is completed, the property is recognized as just 1 parcel. There is only 1 bill for all units, and it is between you and all the other unit owners how the real estate bill is divided. You must also notify your mortgage company as to how much your portion of the real estate bill should be paid.

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1. What can I do with old clothes and shoes?

Place in bins at Transfer Station entrance (on right). If very worn, place in “clothes recycling” bin directly across the street (on left).

2. How about pet poop?

Pet poop is non-recyclable! Please place it in a tied bag on the conveyor belt.

3. Can I recycle light bulbs and items containing mercury?

We recycle compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s) and fluorescent lights. All other light bulbs (conventional and LED) go on the conveyor belt. Please do not put CFL’s on conveyor belt – they contain harmful mercury. We are able to recycle all mercury items!

4. What about batteries?

We recycle rechargeable and button-cell batteries but alkaline batteries go on the conveyor belt.

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1. Who should I contact in case of a water or sewer emergency?

Please call the Water and Sewer Division’s emergency line at 781-721-7109.

2. Where is my water meter, and how do I read it?

Your meter is usually located in the basement of your property. The water usually comes in from the street side of the house. The meter sits on the water pipe that comes in through the floor or wall. The head of the meter is about three inches in diameter and has a large hand and a small red diamond or triangular dial. Read the first four numbers on the meter display, where it says cubic feet, from left to right (e.g. a reading of 1234.56 would be “1234”).

3. How does the town read the meter?

Most of the water meters in Winchester have a radio remote reading device that allows the town to obtain readings via electronic radio transmission. Some meters still have an automated reader box (ARB) that requires a manual reading via handheld device. Any meters without remote devices will require a meter service technician to enter the property to install and wire a radio-reading device. All of the Town of Winchester will have radios installed by 2008.
Meters are read 4 times per year in March, June, September, and December.

4. How often am I billed?

The Town of Winchester sends bills out quarterly, 4 times a year, (January, April, July, and October) for your domestic use. Should you have a second meter for irrigation purposes, you are billed once a year, on a separate bill within the January billing period.

Please note that all water use is metered and charged for sewer use as well.

5. What is a unit of water?

Water usage is measured by consumption units. One consumption unit is 100 cubic feet or about 748 gallons. A container 5-feet long by 5-feet wide and 4-feet high holds 1 consumption unit.

6. Why is my consumption so high?

Consumption may be high for many reasons. If a bill is estimated too low for a length of time, an actual meter reading may result in a large increase. More people may be living in the household. During the summer, water consumption may be higher because you are watering the lawn or garden, or an outside hose may be left on. In commercial situations, you may have water cooled air conditioning or your business may have increased or changed adding to water usage. Often consumption may be high because of leaky plumbing. Typically, the October billing is the highest usage period as it represents summer use.

7. Can I monitor the consumption of my water meter?

Customers often think the meter is not working correctly causing high readings. To monitor the use of your meter, record the first 4 numbers found on the meter-head display, where it says cubic feet. The next time you read the meter, subtract the previous reading from the most current reading to get the usage for that period. For example, if your reading on June 1st was “1234”, and on June 30th it was “1250”, you would have used 16 units within that time frame.

8. What if I feel my bill is too high?

Contact the Town of Winchester Water and Sewer Department at 781-721-7100, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., to schedule an appointment.

9. How can the water meter tell me if I have a leak?

Newer types of water meters have a leak indicator on the face of the dial. It is a triangular or diamond-shaped indicator that revolves 354 times for every gallon of water that passes through the meter.

To check for leaks, look at the indicator when no one is drawing water. It should not be moving. If it is moving, check every plumbing fixture at the property, i.e., toilet, sink, outside sprinkler, washer, etc. Shut off the valves that supply each fixture, one by one, and check the indicator after each shut off. When closing a valve stops the indicator from moving, or slows its movement, you have found the location of a leak. There may be more than one leak!

Once the leak is repaired, check the leak indicator again and make sure all leaks are repaired.

10. What are your appointment hours for service calls?

Appointments can be scheduled between the hours of 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please contact the Town of Winchester, Water and Sewer Division, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday to schedule an appointment. We are flexible in setting up appointments if the stated hours are not convenient for you.

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1. If I arrive at the station before 7 a.m., how will I pay the parking fee?

You will be able to prepay parking fees at the machine or online before 7 a.m.

2. I have a Town of Winchester parking permit. Can I use this in the lot?

No. Town permits are not valid in the Wedgemere Lot. You must pay the fee. You may, however, park on Bacon Street, with a town permit.

3. Will the machine accept credit cards?

The machine will accept Visa and Mastercard, as well as $1 and $5 bills. No change will be given.

4. Do I have to go back to my car and put a ticket in the windshield to show that I have paid?

No. You should hold on to your receipt. Payment information is stored in the machine.

5. I put time on the machine, but now I need more. Can I add time?

Yes, you can add time either at the machine, or remotely using the mobile parking app. Learn more by reading the mobile parking app informational flyer (PDF).