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Property
Tax Exemptions & Deferral
for Disabled Veterans, Older Citizens, Surviving Spouses & Minors
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The
Walpole Board of Assessors is offering advice for taxpayers regarding
property tax exemptions and deferrals of property taxes.
The Assessors Office receives many inquires regarding property tax
exemptions from taxpayers on limited income who are coping with rising
household expenses and property taxes. Fortunately, there are programs
to help you meet your tax obligations. These programs, which provide
either property tax exemptions or a deferral of taxes, are set forth
in different clauses of Section 5 of Chapter 59 of the General Laws
of Massachusetts. Those specifically geared for you are Clause 17D,
Clause 41C or Clause 41A - Tax Deferral. |
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The
Assessors have briefly outlined the following regulations pertaining
to these exemptions:
Clause
41C - Elderly Exemption ($1,00 up to $1500 Tax Exemption)
- Must
be 70 years of age by July 1st.
- For
a Single person: Assets not to exceed $40,000 & Income less
than $20,000 per year.
- For
a Married person: Assets not to exceed $55,000 & Income less
than $30,000 per year.
- Assets
- excluding assessed value of domicile as of July 1, household
items and motor vehicles. Income includes all gross receipts.
Owned & Occupied real estate in MA for five (5) years, plus
have to have lived in MA last ten (10) years. Surviving Spouse
must have occupied the property five (5) years.
Clause
17D - For Older citizens, Surviving Spouses and Minors ($175 up to $262.50
Tax Exemption)
- Must
be 70 years of age by July 1st.
- Total
worth may not exceed $40,000, excluding the assessed value of
the domicile as of July 1.
- Income
not considered when applying for Clause 17D.
- If
you are a surviving spouse of any age or a qualified minor, that
is, a minor who has a deceased parent.
Clause
18 - Hardship
- For
persons who, because they are aged, infirm and poverty-stricken,
cannot make full or partial payment of their property taxes.
- The
decision to grant a Clause 18 exemption is made solely at the
discretion of the Assessors.
Clause
37 - Blind ($437.50 - $656.25 Tax Exemption)
- Available
to visually impaired individuals registered with the Commission of the Blind.
- Requires
a certificate (Call Assessors' Office for more information, (508)
660-7315)
Clause
22 - Disabled Veterans ($400 up to $600 Tax Exemption)
- Provide
exemptions to certain veterans (and their spouses or surviving
spouses) who were not dishonorably discharged and who meet certain
residency requirements.
- Certification
of a war-service connected disability from the Veterans Administration
and the branch of service from which separated (minimum 10% disability).
- Lived
in Massachusetts for not less than 5 years prior to filing for
exemption.
Clause
41A - Tax Deferral
- Persons
must be 65 years or older by July 1 of the year of application.
- Massachusetts
must have been your domicile for the preceding ten years.
- Applicants
must have owned and occupied as your domicile any real property
in Massachusetts (including present property) for five years.
- Gross
annual income cannot exceed $51,000 in proceeding year.
- If
the applicant meets the requirements, they can defer all or a
portion of the taxes for the year.
- The
interest on the amount deferred is four percent simple interest.
The community imposes a lien on the property when the deferral
is approved.
If
you have any further questions or wish more information, please
contact the Board of Assessors, 508-660-7315 or write us at 135
School St., Walpole, MA 02081 |
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