Not sure which, if any, property tax exemptions you qualify for? A recently published brochure on the town website may have the answer for you.
“There was a semblance of a document that was on the assessor’s website, but I think it was a little bit buried,” said Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Jennifer Hewitt. “I think it had the information, but—maybe in theory—it’s a little more accessible now. “
The deadline to apply for an exemption this year is April 1 at 4 p.m.
Assembled by the Finance Department in collaboration with the Assessors Department, the one-page document outlines property tax exemptions available to residents, including seniors, veterans, disabled residents, and surviving spouses of police officers and firefighters. Residents can also request a Community Preservation Act Surcharge Exemption.
“We want to make sure all residents, whether they qualify or not, are aware of [their options],” said Kathy Keohane, a member of the Senior Tax Relief Working Group. “We all have a neighbor, a friend, a relative, a constituent … who may benefit from these.”
According to Keohane, the working group launched in October 2023 with three objectives, the first of which was to educate the public on options available to seniors, the disabled, and veterans.
“In the past, nothing was officially documented,” she said.
“The common theme for me in all this is how unaware of these programs seniors, and [other] people, are,” added Senior Tax Relief Working Group Chair Geoffrey Lubien.
According to Keohane, the second and third objectives are looking at the available programs and determining which levers the town has to modify—within state statute—certain parameters, such as age and income. The final phase would involve modifications that require the act of a Home Rule Petition.
Another program the working group is looking to revive is the senior tax work-off program, according to Lubien.
“One of the things we’re looking into—and I don’t know what mechanisms we’d have to put in place—some towns have proxies, where students could do the work and the senior gets the credit,” Lubien said.
Hewitt emphasized that the brochure is a “living document.”
“The numbers of people that have been taking advantage of some of the exemptions have been dwindling over the years because they move away or pass away,” Hewitt said. “More people are becoming eligible and just don’t know what to ask.”
Keohane said it was “encouraging” to see how many programs residents already have available to them, such as the deferral of property tax payments, or exemption from the Community Preservation Act Surcharge.
“That has some of the widest, most inclusive, parameters from an income level and it’s also available to non-seniors,” said Keohane. “You can argue whether $100 relief is impactful or not. I think if most people could get a $100 relief, they would take it. It’s a start.”
Other Actions
At the November Town Meeting, members voted to accept a provision of state law allowing the town to create a tax-check-off donation program for low-income seniors and those with disabilities. That check-off was included on the third-quarter tax bills that went out at the start of the year.
“There are some amazing residents that come through that donate to all the items that are on the list,” Hewitt said. “What we’re trying to do is raise awareness.”
At a recent Select Board meeting, Chair Elizabeth Dionne said town leadership is aware of the property tax burden on all residents, especially seniors.
“There are state limits on what we can do,” she said. “We’re trying to do everything we possibly can within those limits. There are avenues of relief available that are not always fully utilized, for whatever reason that is, part of it may be awareness.”
Since November, the Select Board has appointed a three-member committee to help administer those funds. That group will develop an application and the qualifications to apply for the donations.
“[Senior tax relief] is something that was talked about a year ago, especially during the campaign season, with myself and [Select Board Vice Chair Matt Taylor], and this year’s campaign cycle,” Lubien said. “It’s nice to say stuff people are talking about, we’re doing.”
