Topsfield, MA · Essex County
Tax Deferral and Recovery Agreement
This agreement sets terms for deferring local property taxes and is completed by a property owner and the Board of Assessors when the owner seeks a tax deferral.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
The agreement sets out terms for deferring local property taxes on a described property, including limits on deferred amounts, repayment conditions, and a lien recorded at the registry of deeds. Topsfield requires the agreement when an owner seeks a property tax deferral under the conditions stated in the form. Other people with a legal interest in the property must provide written approval on Schedule A.
Who needs it
A property owner seeking to defer local property taxes, along with other people holding a legal interest in the property who must approve the agreement.
Why it needs a notary
The form has an acknowledgment block; the owners, approvers, and Board of Assessors representative named in it sign the agreement before the notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Form
Download the Tax Deferral and Recovery Agreement from the Topsfield website.
- 2
Fill In the Agreement
Enter the owner, property description, and other requested details. Arrange any required Schedule A approvals.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a session with a commissioned online notary and have identification ready.
- 4
Sign on Video
The owners, approvers, and Board of Assessors representative named in the notary block sign during the video session.
- 5
Submit to the Board of Assessors
Submit the completed agreement and Schedule A to the Topsfield Board of Assessors.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Topsfield. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get the Tax Deferral and Recovery Agreement notarized?
- Complete the form, book an appointment with a commissioned online notary, and sign during the video session. The form’s acknowledgment block identifies the signers who appear before the notary.
- Do I need written approval from other property interest holders?
- Yes. The agreement says every other person with a legal interest in the property must give written approval, attached as Schedule A.
- Can I sign this agreement with an online notary?
- Massachusetts permanently authorized remote online notarization for its own notaries effective January 1, 2024. Ask the city or town clerk about submission requirements; confirm with the city or town clerk if unsure.
- What does the agreement say about the property?
- It requires a description accurate enough to identify the property. For registered land, the form calls for the certificate of title number and registry volume and page.
Tax Deferral and Recovery Agreement in other Massachusetts cities
Each city publishes its own version of this form. Pick the city where you’re filing.