Is the tax year, or fiscal year, the same as a calendar year?

NO. The tax year, or fiscal year, for cities and towns in Massachusetts begins on July 1 and ends on June 30 the following year. The fiscal year is determined by the year in which June 30 ends the fiscal year. For example, Fiscal Year 2010, which began on July 1, 2009, ends on June 30, 2010.