State
Massachusetts
Year
2017
Variations in Receipt of Benefit
No Variation in Receipt of Benefits
Benefit Type
Credit
Benefit
Participating cities and towns may reduce the real property tax bills of taxpayers who are 60 years old or greater up to a credit of $1,500 in a given tax year in exchange for their volunteer services to the municipality. In the same manner, cities and towns may reduce the property tax bills of veterans up to a credit of $1,000. Volunteers will receive a credit on their taxes at a rate set by the city or town, but that can not exceed the state's minimum wage. The program is administered by the local municipality (provided they have adopted the program) and not the state. Applicants should contact their local government for application deadlines, interview requirements, and additional information.
How is Benefit Disbursed
Credit to the property tax bill
Eligible Property Type
Residential
Characteristics of Eligible Property
Real property of eligible persons is considered eligible property.
Eligibility Criteria
Age
Homeowner
Veteran
Surviving Spouse
Other Criteria
Description of Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the program, the applicant must be the property owner and must have acquired ownership before the work began and the abatement was applied, or, in the case of a trust, must have gained legal title either on the January 1 assessment date or at the time the volunteer work began. Qualifying seniors must be at least 60 years old. To qualify for the veterans program the applicant must be a veteran or the spouse of a qualifying veteran, if that veteran is deceased or is disabled from a service connected disability.
Local Option in Adoption of Program
Local government must take action to opt out
Local Option Regarding Program Features
Local option regarding program features
State Funding for Local Tax Loss
Local government covers all of its tax loss
Description of State Funding for Tax Loss
State statutes do not provide for state funding for local tax loss.
Record ID
MA107_RR17