Tax Saving Tips

Tip #1

Property Taxes/Assessors

Assessed values in Massachusetts are based on "full and fair cash value" or 100 percent of fair market value.

Abatements

All tax payers have the right to file for an abatement of their taxes if they believe the property has not been fairly assessed.

Exemptions

Exemptions are available to those individuals who meet the various requirements in the following catagories:

- Elderly                                                        - Blind

- Disabled Veteran                                       - Widows and/or Widowers

- Minor Children with deceased parent

- Minor children of deceased Police or Firefighters killed in the line of duty

Deadlines

Abatements: on or before the due date for payment of the first actual bill.

Exemptions: due before December 15 or within three months before the mailing date of the first bill.

Assessors have three months to take action on your abatement application.

Appeals

You have the right to appeal decisions to the State Appelate Tax Board

Your town assessor's office can provide complete information

Tip #2

Personal Exemptions

Surviving Spouse and/or Surviving Minor Children

Personal Exemption (clauses 42 ans 43) releases an individual from the requirement to pay real estate tax on a domicile. Income restrictions and asset limitations apply.

Tax Exemption (clause 17, 17C, 17C1/2 and 17D) releases an individual from the requirement to pay all or a fraction of the taxes assessed on real property. Some income limitations may apply.

Your town assessor's office can provide complete information

Tip #3

 Elderly and Hardship Tax Deferrals

Under clause 41A one enters into an agreement with the assessor to defer payment of all taxes plus interest.

Under clause 18A assessors may grant taxpayers experiencing financial difficulties a temporary deferral.

Your city assessor's office can provide complete information

Tip #4

Elderly Tax Exemptions

Clause 41,  for seniors 70 years of age or older, allows a deduction of $500 from the years tax bill.

Clause 41B and 41C have broader allowances for total assets and income.

Your town assessor's office can provide complete information.

Tip #5

Blind Persons

Personal Exemption

Clause 37 provides taxpayers who are legally blind and legal residents of Massachusetts a $437..50 reduction.

Your town assessor's office can provide complete information

Tip #6

Veteran's Tax Exemptions

Clauses 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E and Paraplegic

Releases a disabled veteran from payment of all or a fraction of the taxes assessed on their real property.

Your town assessor's office can provide complete information