The following information is FY 2025 Available Exemptions – Filing Period 7/1/2024 to 4/1/2025
Veterans – (Clauses 22, 22 A-E) Must have at least a 10% service-connected disability, be the surviving spouse of a qualified veteran or been awarded the Purple Heart. The veteran must have been a resident of Massachusetts for at least one year before entering the service and must occupy the property as his domicile on July 1 of that year and possesses sufficient ownership interest in the property. Evidence of ownership, occupancy and certification of a service-connected disability from the Veteran’s Administration must be presented at time of application. The exemption must be applied for annually. The filing period is July 1-April 1. The exemption amounts range from $400.00 to a full tax exemption depending upon the disability and qualifying clause. There are no income or asset limits
Blind Person – (Clause 37A) The applicant must provide annual verification of blindness from the Massachusetts Commission of the Blind via his/her attending physician. The applicant must own and occupy the property as of July 1 of the tax year. The exemption must be applied for annually. The filing period is July 1 – April 1. The exemption is $437.50. There are no income or asset limits.
CPA – (Ch. 44B) The total amount of the CPA Surcharge (Community Preservation Act) is abated. The applicant must meet income limits and own the subject property as of January 1 of the preceding year. (Senior Age 60+ income limit – Single: $89,530; Married: $102,320). There are no asset limits to qualify.
Senior Incentive Work Off Program – (Ch. 59S) Reduces property tax of senior in exchange for volunteer service to the town. Eligible age is 60, and applicant must own and occupy property as of July 1. Currently, the maximum exemption is $500.00/year. Apply annually during the month of December at the Council on Aging office. Applicants must agree to a CORI check and certify that their income does not exceed the limits set by the Massachusetts Circuit Breaker Tax Credit. If there are more applicants than positions available, a lottery system will be used.
Elderly/Surviving Spouse Exemption- (Clause 17D & E) the amount of the exemption is $175. Elderly applicants must be 65 years or age. Surviving spouses do not have an age requirement. There are no income limits, but total assets cannot exceed $80,501. The applicant must own and occupy the property as of July 1 of the tax year. The exemption must be applied for annually. The state mandated filing period is July 1 – April 1.
Elderly Exemption – (Clause 41C) the amount of the exemption is $500.00. The eligible age is 65. Income can’t exceed $36,793 single; $55,187 married. Assets can’t exceed $73,570 single; $101,192 married. The applicant must own and occupy the property as of July 1 of the tax year. The exemption must be applied for annually. The state mandated filing period is July 1 – April 1.
Senior Deferral – (Clause 41A) Defers payment of property taxes at 8% interest until house is sold or senior dies. Applicant must be 65 years of age and own and occupy property as of July 1 of the tax year. The payment of deferred taxes and accrued interest is due when the property is sold or you pass away, unless your surviving spouse continues to defer. As of that date, the interest rate goes up to 16%. If 6 months later, the deferred amount has not been paid, the treasurer may petition the Land Court to foreclose the lien on the property. Gross income cannot exceed the adjusted annual Circuit Breaker amount. No asset limits. Must apply annually. The state mandated filing period is July 1 – April 1.
Senior “Circuit Breaker” State Income Tax Credit – This program is administered by the State of Massachusetts through your State Tax Return (not through Georgetown). It reduces the state income taxes owed for seniors whose property taxes and 50% of water/sewer charges exceed 10% of their income. Applicant must be 65 years of age. Income & asset limits do not apply. The maximum credit amount for tax year 2025 is $2,590.