I don't qualify for the elderly exemption. Do I qualify for other assistance?

CLAUSE  – 41A – Senior Deferral
 
  • Must be 65 years of age by July 1 of the tax year.
  • Must occupy the property on July 1 of the tax year.
  • Must file annually.
  • Must have been domiciled in Massachusetts for the preceding 10 years
  • Must have owned and occupied subject property or other property in Massachusetts for at least 5 years.
  • Gross Receipts cannot exceed $40,000.00
  • Deferred amount Plus the 2% interest is paid back upon death of homeowner or sale of property.
What do the Assessors need??
 
  • Birth Certificate (First time filing, only)
  • Income Tax Returns or documentation of income.
  • Proof of occupancy.
  • If domicile is held in trust, applicant must satisfy ownership requirement if he/she is a trustee or co-owner of the trust and possess a sufficient beneficial interest in the domicile through the trust.
  • If property mortgaged – a letter from lending institution agreeing to the terms of the deferral.
  • Filled out application.
What can the Assessors do??
 
  • Can vote the defer all or a portion of the real estate taxes each year.
  • Can abate up to 50% of the applicant’s proportional share of the assessed value of the property.  Example:
  • House assessed at $300,000.00
  • Assessors can abate up to $150,000.00 (50% of value) in taxes.
  • If applicant qualifies for another exemption, that amount is deducted prior to applying the deferral.  Example: If tax bill is $3,000.00 and the applicant qualifies for deferral as well as a senior exemption (say 41C - $500.00), the amount deferred will only be $2,500.00
  • Must vote on it annually.
  • Application should be filed in the Fall but can be filed as late as 3 months after the mailing of the Actual Bill (3rd Quarter)
For further information, please contact the Assessors’ Office @ (781) 834-5585