FORM 8-K

Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of
The Securities and Exchange Act of 1934

DATE OF REPORT:
March 13, 2003
(Date of Earliest Event Reported)

MASSACHUSETTS
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

1-9047
(Commission File Number)

04-2870273
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

INDEPENDENT BANK CORP.
288 UNION ST., ROCKLAND, MA
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

02370
(Zip Code)

NOT APPLICABLE
(Former Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

781-878-6100
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS. Attached as exhibit 99.1 hereto is a copy of a press release regarding dividends declared by Independent Bank Corp. which is incorporated herein by reference.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned and hereunto duly authorized.

DATE: March 13, 2003

INDEPENDENT BANK CORP.

BY: /s/ Denis K. Sheahan
——————————————
DENIS K. SHEAHAN
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND
TREASURER