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