Maine Municipal Tax Collectors' & Treasurers' Association
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Posted by Tammy Getchell (Mapleton, Castle Hill, Chapman) 3/31/05: How many of you attempt to collect past due personal property taxes through small claims court? How effective is this for you?

Responses: I love this means of collection! I mail out my Statement of Claim certified mail, return receipt requested. More often than not, that alone prompts people to pay; they don't want to go to court. I have had very good luck here in Hallowell and also when I was the Tax Collector for the City of Gardiner.(Dawna Myrick, Hallowell)

I HAVE HEARD IT IS A DRAWN OUT AND UNSUCCESSFUL PROCESS. I USUALLY DON'T ATTEMPT IT. THAT'S GOOD TO KNOW, I MIGHT HAVE TO TRY MORE OF THAT. THANKS FOR THE INFO
(Scott Gesuldi, Rangeley)

We have done this twice in fifteen years, The attorney handling the claim for use was paid a percentage of the claim. We got our money on time with the first one and the second one had to be written off as uncollectable. (Eva Leavitt, Turner)

We don't use small claims court, but we do contract with an outside collection attorney. She gets 25% of anything she collects plus court and sherriff costs.She has been quite successful over the past twelve years. (Kevin Markee, Portland)

I do it all the time with about 75% success. Bankruptcy can hold up the
process. For the 2004 taxes, I mailed a letter just prior to the 30 day
lien notices going out on real estate. When we record the liens on real
estate, I will also lien the pp and then follow through via small claims a
week or so later. I have recently taken to small claims unreturned library
items, a public works bill, fire department billings, landfill bills and
the cost of a City owned utility pole damaged by an individual that the
insurance would not pay for because of unauthorized use of the motor
vehicle. Give me a call sometime and I will give you more details on how
to get started and how far and long it may go.
(Spike Savage, Presque Isle)

I have not tried the small claims court yet. We send out reminder notices to pay. People are usually good at paying after receiving the notice. (Sharon Woodward, Richmond)

I have used Small Claims court many, many times, I can honestly say, it is very effective, and I have had much success. Good Luck ! (Carolyn Hamel, Burnham)

I have not had to file at small claims court in 29 years. I send a reminder notice to the taxpayer followed by a letter giving them a date certain that I will be filing at small claims court if the taxes remain unpaid. This has worked so far for our small town. (Claudia Mercer, Searsmont)

THE TOWN OF NAPLES DOES NOT (Judy Whynot, Naples)

The Town of Kittery is also looking to do this as well. Any idea on how many years you can legally go back and collect on? (Lynette Goulet, Kittery)

Statute of Limitations I believe is 6 years. (Carolyn Hamel, Burnham)