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1. How to report a lost or found pet?

If you have lost or found an animal during normal business hours, please contact the Kingston Animal Shelter @ 781-585-0529 to speak with an Animal Control Officer. 

If you are calling after normal business hours to report a loose dog, please contact the Kingston Police Dept @ 781-585-0523. An Animal Control Officer will be dispatched. You may also bring the animal to our 24-hour secured emergency kennel located outside the Animal Shelter. Instructions are posted on the kennel gate.  

2. How do I license a dog?

Massachusetts State Law requires all dogs age 6 months or older to be rabies vaccinated and licensed annually by the owner or keeper ("keeper" as defined by state law: any person, business, corporation or society, other than the owner, having possession of a dog).

Kingston dog licensing begins on January 1 of every year. Dog licenses can be obtained by bringing a copy of the dog's current rabies certificate to the Town Clerk's office during regular business hours. Licensing fee for a spayed/neutered dog is $10 or $20 for an unaltered dog.

• Dog License Renewal (PDF)
• Online Dog License Renewal

3. How do I adopt a pet from Kingston Animal Shelter?

Animals available for adoption can be viewed on our Facebook page (Town of Kingston MA Animal Control/Shelter) or Petfinder.com. If you are interested in adopting one of our animals, you must submit a completed adoption application. Upon application approval an Adoption Coordinator will contact you to schedule a meet and greet with the animal of your choosing.

4. Where can I get help with a wildlife problem?

The Town of Kingston Animal Control Officers do not trap or remove problem or nuisance wildlife unless the animal is an immediate threat to public safety. Please contact a wildlife removal specialist  for these matters. For questions and concerns regarding injured wildlife, please contact the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife at 508-389-6300 or visit their website @ www.masswildlife.org. or New England Wildlife Center at 781-682-4878 or visit their website @ www.NEwildlife.com 

Find a local wildlife rehabilitator online.

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1. How is your assessment determined?

To arrive at "full and fair cash value" for your property, the assessors must know what "willing sellers" and "willing buyers" are doing in the marketplace. The Assessors also must collect, record, and analyze a great deal of information about property and market characteristics in order to estimate fair market value, including keeping current on the cost of construction in the area and any changes in zoning, financing, and economic conditions which may affect property values. The Assessors use three standardized appraisal approaches to value: market, cost, and income. This data is then correlated into a final value.

The object of the valuation program is to estimate: "reasonable cash value" as of January 1 (known as the "assessment date") prior to the fiscal year. For example, the assessment date for Fiscal Year 2021 is January 1, 2020. Therefore, sales of calendar 2019 are used to determine full and fair cash value for the Fiscal year 2021.

2. How can my taxes increase?

When the people vote for additional spending at town meetings, or on the ballot with a Proposition 2 ½ override, an increase in taxes can occur. If you were to make improvements to your existing property, for instance: add a garage, add an additional room, the "full and fair cash value" and therefore, the assessed value would also increase.

The assessed value represents the estimate of the market value of the property. When the market value increases, the Assessors seek to adjust the assessed values accordingly. The real estate market changes constantly. The assessment for Fiscal Year 2021 represents the estimate of market value as of January 1, 2020. This estimate of market value is determined by examining sales of properties for the calendar year 2019. Although there may not have been any physical changes to the property, buyers may be paying more or less for properties than they were in previous years. The assessment changes reflect the changes in the purchase prices of similar homes in the neighborhood or neighborhood which is comparable. Buyers and sellers determine the market value of properties

3. What if I disagree with the assessment of my property?

If your opinion of the value of your property differs from the assessment value, by all means, come to the Assessors Office and discuss the matter. The staff will be glad to answer your questions about the assessment procedures. When questioning the assessment value, ask yourself three questions:

• Is my property description data correct?
• Is my assessed value in line with others on the street?
• Is my assessed value in line with sale prices in my neighborhood for the relevant time period?

Keep in mind what's important: prior years' sale prices, quality of construction, condition, your property's neighborhood designation, and the building area and lot area. These are the most crucial factors in the valuation process. There is a variety of information available to help you determine whether your assessment is fair and equitable. The staff will be happy to assist you, and no appointment is necessary.

If, after discussing the matter with the staff and researching the assessments of comparable properties within your area, a difference of opinion still exists, you may appeal your assessment to the Board of Assessors by filing an abatement application.

View more information on Assessors' Page

4. What is proposition 2 1/2?

Proposition 2 ½ places constraints on the amount of taxes which the Town can levy and on how much the tax levy can be increased from year to year by the Town. It provides the Town with annual increases in its tax levy of 2.5% plus an additional amount based on the valuation of certain new construction and other allowable growth in the tax base (new growth).

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1. What is the tax taking process?

If, after receiving a demand bill for the current fiscal year, your real estate taxes remain unpaid, the Town Collector will begin the process of tax taking.

First, a Public Notice Advertisement will be issued. A list of property owners (owner of the record as of January 1, and subsequent owners), parcel identification, and amount of unpaid taxes is submitted to the Kingston Reporter to be published in the Legal Notices. Copies of this publication are posted at the Town House and The Kingston Public Library.

On the date of the tax taking (which is noted in the advertisement), unpaid parcels are turned over to the Treasurer and recorded at the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds in Plymouth, MA. Any effort to clear property in Tax Taking status is then handled by the Treasurer's Office whose phone is 781-585-0508.

A note of information: recorded liens are now being researched by major credit bureaus, which could affect your credit score.

2. What if I receive a real estate and personal property tax demand bill?

Demand billing is a result of any unpaid taxes committed to the Collector for that fiscal year only (July 1 to June 30). Each real estate and personal property demand bill will be assessed a $15 demand charge.

Please do not ignore a real estate or personal property demand bill, even if you have your taxes escrowed by your mortgage company. A demand bill implies that the Town of Kingston has outstanding real estate and personal property taxes for the current fiscal year that are unpaid.

3. How do I request a Tax Statement?

Request for Tax Statement fill out this form for Motor Vehicle Excise, Real Estate taxes or Water bill.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Collector of Taxes takes payment for all town related bills.

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

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1. What type of payment methods are accepted?

Online payments may be made using checking account information (Electronic Funds Transfer), credit or debit cards. Available payment options vary among services and our online payment partners. Clicking the payment of choice will display the available options and any associated service fees.

2. Are there service fees involved for paying online?

If paying by credit/debit card, a service fee will be assessed and is detailed on the link to UniPay's website. If paying by check, a fee of $0.25 per payment will be assessed.

3. Is my checking or credit card account information secure?

Yes, your transaction is secure. Your payment information is protected with state-of-the-industry encryption methods. In addition, account information is not kept after the payment has been processed.

4. Where do I find the routing number for my checking account?

The 9-digit routing number is located on the bottom-left hand portion of your checks. Do not use a deposit slip to verify the number because it may contain your Financial Institution's internal routing numbers. See the example below for a correct checking routing number:

5. How do I know my payment was made?

After completing the payment process, a Confirmation Page with a corresponding Confirmation Number may be displayed. You are encouraged to print this page for your records.

6. Why didn't I receive a Confirmation Number?

If you do not receive a Confirmation Number after processing your transaction, you may have been trying to use an unacceptable form of payment, you were using an unsupported browser or your transaction was not accepted for a different reason. Please check to ensure that your payment type is accepted.

7. How will I know if my payment is received before the bill due date?

Your bill payment should be made prior to the date the bill is due.

8. Can I still pay my bill or purchase a town service by mail or in person?

Yes. This is an incremental service; all existing office, telephone and mail services remain. Specifically, this service gives customers who do business with the Town of Kingston a convenient, efficient, and user-friendly way to pay bills or purchase town services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

9. What should I do if I don't receive the email confirmation?

If you chose to receive a confirmation of your transaction by email from verifying the approval and acceptance of the transaction and didn't receive one, then please ensure the message has not been stopped by a SPAM blocker or is in a "Junk" mailbox.

10. Will I still receive a bill by mail?

Yes. The Town of Kingston, MA will continue to send a paper bill via mail. This service simply provides a convenient, efficient, and user-friendly way to pay your bill 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

11. What is the cutoff time for entering payments?

The cutoff for any bill payment date is midnight EST.

12. To whom should I report difficulty or trouble making an online payment?

If you have any questions or problems, please contact the appropriate department for the bill or service you are wishing to pay. 

• Collector of Taxes Phone: 781-585-0507
• Town Clerk Phone: 781-585-0502

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1. Where do I get a Transfer Station sticker?

• Streets, Trees & Parks Department
• Phone: 781-585-0513

2. Where do I register to vote?

• Town Clerk's Office
• Phone: 781-585-0502

3. Where do I get a beach sticker?

• Recreation Department
• Phone: 781-585-0533

4. Where do I license my dog?

• Town Clerk's Office
• Phone: 781-585-0502

5. Where do I pay my taxes?

• Tax Collector's Office
• Phone: 781-585-0507

6. Where do I inquire about youth programs?

• Recreation Department
• Phone: 781-585-0533

7. Where do I inquire about recreational/community programs?

• Recreation Department
• Phone: 781-585-0533

8. Where do I inquire about elder services?

• Council on Aging Advisory Board
• Phone: 781-585-0511

9. Where do I inquire about veteran's services?

• Veteran's Services page/Veteran's Agent
• Phone: 781-585-0515

10. Where do I inquire about Senior Services & the Council on Aging?

• Contact Council on Aging
• Phone:  781-585-0511

Council on Aging

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1. How do I license my dog?

Licenses valid January 1st thru December 31st of each year.  Applicants must show written proof of Spay/Neuter & Rabies inoculation at the time of licensing.
After March 15th a $20.00 late fee is assessed; after April 1st, owners are subject to a $50 fine (assessed by Animal Control Officer) in addition to the license fee and late fee. 

You can obtain a dog license either in person at the Town Clerk’s office, by mail, or online through March 15th only.

License in Person

Applicant must provide written proof of rabies and whether dog is spayed or neutered.  Intact dogs are $20, Neutered/Spayed dogs are $10 each. Payment in cash, check (payable to Town of Kingston) or charge accepted.  All Dog Licenses expire December 31st.

License Online

Apply online and follow the prompts (select "Online Services", then "Town Clerk Payments").  

License by Mail-in

To license your dog by mail, please complete the mail in Dog License Form and send it to the Town Clerk with the following:

• A self-addressed, stamped return envelope with postage
• A check made payable to the Town of Kingston
• Dog License Form

Once processed, the license and tags will be mailed back to you. If you no longer own a dog that was previously licensed, please notify the Town Clerk’s office so that we can update our records.

View Town Clerk Contact Information

2. How do I obtain a birth, marriage or death certificate?

Vital records (birth*, death*, and marriage** certificates):

• in person at the Town Clerk's office, 
• by mail, or 
• Online to our vendor Unipay
• The fee for each certificate is $10. 
• First, verify with the Town Clerk that the record is in Kingston, Massachusetts.  
  *Birth and Death records are recorded here only if Kingston, MA is the town of occurrence* or residence. 
  *Marriage certificates are recorded in the town where the Marriage License was issued.

To obtain a certificate by mail (allow ample time for mail delivery), please send to the Town Clerk and include the following:

• A self-addressed, stamped return envelope
• A check made payable to the Town of Kingston
• The name of the individual for whom the record is requested (include a maiden name for marriage certificate)
• The date of occurrence
• Mail to:  Town Clerk's Office, Kingston Town House, 26 Evergreen St., Kingston, MA  02364.

To obtain a certificate by requesting it online:

• Select "Online Services", then "Town Clerk Payments". 
• Orders are typically processed within 2 business days.  
• Allow ample time for mail delivery.  
• Credit card and or bank fees may apply.

Any questions?  Contact Town Clerk's Office:  (781)585-0500

3. How do I obtain a marriage license?

According to Massachusetts law, the prospective couple must jointly file intentions to marry and may do so with the city or town clerk in any community in the state. There is a mandatory three-day waiting period before the license can be issued. Once obtained, the marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date the intentions are filed and may be used in any Massachusetts city or town. The license is not valid outside of the state.

Fees for the marriage license vary from town to town. Kingston's fee is $40. To schedule an appointment, additional filing information, and questions may be directed to the Town Clerk's Office at 781-585-0502.

4. Who must file a business certificate?

Any person, whether individually or as a partnership, conducting business under any title other than the complete real name of the owner(s) must file a business certificate. The certificate must be filed with the Town Clerk in every city or town where an office of said business may be situated (Massachusetts General Law Chapter 110, Section 5).

You may file a Business Certificate either in person at the Town Clerk's office or by mail. To file by mail, please complete the certificate form, have your signature notarized and enclose a check made payable to the Town of Kingston in the amount of $40.

5. How do I file a declaration of homestead?

A Declaration of Homestead for Kingston real estate and manufactured homes should be filed online at Plymouth County Registry of Deeds.

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1. How do I obtain an absentee/vote by mail ballot?

In Massachusetts, absentee voting is available in all elections, while early voting is only in certain elections. The two systems overlap in several ways, but the most important difference is that absentee voters must have an excuse, while there is no excuse needed in order to vote early. For more information please visit Secretary of Commonwealth Elections Division.

An individual may request an application for an absentee ballot if unable to vote at the polls on election day due to his/her absence from the Town during the hours the polls will be open, or due to physical disabilities or religious beliefs. Absentee and early Vote by Mail ballots must be requested in writing at least 4 business days before Election Day. For additional information or an application form, visit the Town Clerk's Office or call 781-585-0502. Or you may download for yourself or on behalf of a Family Member forms here:

• Vote by Mail Application
• Track My Ballot

2. How do I register to vote?

• Register to vote online
• In-person at any Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours, at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, or various other state agencies.
• Visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Elections Division
• Download and print Mail-in Voter Registration Form (PDF)
  • Mail-in for Other Languages

3. How do I verify my voting status?

You may verify your voting status by calling the Kingston Town Clerk's Office or call 781-585-0502. You can also check your voting status through the Massachusetts Voter Registration Status webpage.