Ways that taxpayers can get help with their residential taxes
The following, to the best of my ability, is based on information
from the Assessor's office, in Mass General Laws, or on what I have
been told.
Applications must be filed within 3 months after the actual tax bills
were mailed for the fiscal year.
This is March 27, 2012.
Residential Exemption (MGL Chapter 59, Section 5)
There are several exemption programs, which ease the property tax
burden for the Elderly, Blind, Veterans with wartime disabilities or
certain honors, and Surviving Spouses or Minors.
- Clause 17D - $175
Estate must be less than $40,000, excluding the value of the
domicile.
- Clause 18 - variable amount
Applicants must be Aged, Infirmed, AND have a Financial Hardship.
- Clause 22 to 22E - $400 to 100% of tax
Veteran with service conditions.
- Clause 37A - $500
Blind persons.
- Clause 41C - $500 (Town Meeting could increase this to $750)
- Senior Tax Deferral (MGL Chapter 59, Section 5)
- Clause 41A - Up to 100% of taxes
- You can defer all or part of your taxes until your house is
sold or you die.
- You must be 65 years old as of July 1, 2011.
- You must have an annual income not more than $40,000 (Town
Meeting can change this).
- You must have lived in MA for 10 years or have owned and lived
in a home in MA for 5 years (or surviving spouse of such
person).
- You must own and occupy the home in Framingham.
- You pay 8% interest (Town Meeting can reduce this rate,
possibly to 2.5% or 3%).
- This year 13 people took advantage of this program.
- Senior work program - up to $725
(Town Meeting could change this to $1000)
- Seniors may work at the Council on Aging.
This year 39 people took advantage of this program.
- Aid to Elderly and Disabled Persons - $500 cap per year
- Income Tax Credit (filed with state income tax return)
- Property taxes (and 50% of water and sewer charges) cannot
exceed 10% of income.
- Must be 65 years of age or over by July 1, 2011.
- Income must not exceed $51,000 for single, or $64,000 for
married persons (limit may have increased) excluding social
security ($4k single, $6K couple), and excluding rent from a
duplex.
- The value of the domicile cannot exceed $788,000.
Joel Winett, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member
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