Here in Bridgewater - I make copies for taxpayers at their request.
Sometimes they are at their accountant's office and ask for a copy.
Yesterday, (Sunday) I was at home at 4:00 PM. and received a call from a
taxpayer - needing a copy of his tax bill. I came to the office and copied
his bills for him and dropped them off to him on my way home! How's that for
service with a smile??!!  I also feel that as a taxpayer they pay enough in
taxes for this service - but - I have had at least 50 requests this year,
and it seems to be more every year. I had it printed on the tax bill: Please
retain this portion of your tax bill for income tax purposes. Didn't do a
whole lot of good. Oh well, life as a treasurer or town clerk.
Vicky @Bridgewater
-----Original Message-----
From: Lindberg, Cheryl <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Saturday, April 15, 2000 12:32 PM
Subject: Property Tax Bill Copies


>Treasurers of Vermont
>
>I am requesting information on the subject of copying tax bills. After all
>the time and money spent preparing and issuing the original tax bill, I am
>discouraged at how many requests I receive for additional copies due to
lack
>of careful filing or mailing the original to a bank because of an escrow
>arrangement, when they could keep the original and mail a copy to the bank.
>On demand requests are difficult to ignore and often the way I receive
>requests for copies.  To accommodate the taxpayer, but discourage sloppy
>filing, I insist on the taxpayer (or tax preparer) stopping in and paying
>the statutory 4 cents and picking up the copy.  I do not fax or mail
copies,
>as that is additional cost to the Town, over and above the initial
>preparation and mailing.
>
>Ironically, if a taxpayer comes in with a tax bill and wishes us to make a
>copy on our photocopier, the Town Clerk charges 20 cents for that copy!!!
>
>I would appreciate knowing if:
>
>1.  you charge the statutory 4 cents for a copy
>2.  you have been authorized to charge more than the 4 cents and how you
>        received that authorization
>3.  you copy tax bills on demand or require a day or two to respond
>
>Thank you for your answers and any additional comments you wish to make.