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Division of Local Services (DLS)

DLS promotes sound municipal finance management practices and supports local officials by providing guidance, training and oversight.

Upcoming events

  • Ask DLS Law

    Wednesday, March 11, 2026
    10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
    This “Ask DLS Law” service is a virtual, Zoom option for local officials to inquire about municipal finance law issues within the Division's jurisdiction.

  • Ask DLS Law

    Tuesday, March 17, 2026
    10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
    This “Ask DLS Law” service is a virtual, Zoom option for local officials to inquire about municipal finance law issues within the Division's jurisdiction.

  • Register Now for In-Person Free Cash Submission Trainings (Newton)

    Address will be emailed, Newton, MA 02458
    Thursday, April 16, 2026
    9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    The Division of Local Services is pleased to host an in-person training on April 16, 2025 in Newton to support local officials with completing the forms necessary for free cash certification.

  • Register Now for In-Person Free Cash Submission Trainings (Chicopee)

    Address will be emailed, Chicopee, MA 01013
    Wednesday, April 29, 2026
    9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    The Division of Local Services is pleased to host an in-person training on April 29, 2026 in Chicopee to support local officials with completing the forms necessary for free cash certification.
See all events   for the Division of Local Services

Latest DLS News

FY27 Cherry Sheet estimates

Preliminary

Municipal  Regional school  

Proposition 2 ½ Resources 

Training videos, guidance and information related to property valuation, property taxes and Proposition 2 ½ .

New Officials Training 

Are you a new official? Our Foundations in Municipal Finance training will help you get started.

Spring Update 

Provided by the Municipal Finance Training and Resource Center.

Municipal Empowerment Act

The Municipal Empowerment Act is designed to arm local governments with greater tools and supports to chart their own course, making it easier for communities to generate resources for vital local services and access the products and people they need to best serve Massachusetts residents.

Learn more about the Municipal Empowerment Act 

Most Requested

Municipal Finance Training and Resource Center 
Bulletins, Guidelines and Opinions (IGR/BUL/LFO) 
Cherry sheet & state payment reports 
Data Analytics & Visualizations 
DLS Publications and Financial Tools 

DLS: Supporting a Commonwealth of Communities

The Division of Local Services is responsible for ensuring fairness and equity in local property taxation, overseeing local accounting and treasury management, interpreting state laws that affect local governance, distributing monthly local aid to cities, towns and school districts, maintaining a comprehensive municipal finance data warehouse, and providing municipal financial management consulting services and training. Our Introduction to DLS video provides an overview of the many services we offer. To learn even more about the Division, please watch our Meet DLS webinar, which includes additional information from each of the Division’s Bureau Chiefs.

View our Bureaus          View the DLS staff directory       Public Hearing Notices

View the DLS Events CalendarLog into DLS Gateway or view public reports

Tax Status Report

Want to know how close your community is to setting a property tax rate? Use our Tax Rate Status Report to find out.

Tax Status Report
YouTube Video Library
Welcome to the Division of Local Services
Municipal Finance Roles & Responsibilities
View more DLS videos

DLS Bureaus and Services

Accounting Guidance and Oversight (BOA)  Property Assessment & Valuation Guidance (BLA)  Financial Management Resource Bureau (FMRB)  Municipal Finance Law Bureau (MFLB)  Bureau of Local Payments (BLP)  Local Option Excise Taxes  DLS Gateway Application Login and Support 

Related organizations

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