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Tax Deferral for Elderly

Are you 65 or older and having trouble paying your property tax bills? There's a way to defer your taxes and remain in your home. The Tax Deferral program may be considered when a taxpayer's current expenses make the continued ownership of their home difficult. A 4% interest charge is applied to the deferred taxes.

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What are the requirements for Tax Deferral?

The following conditions are required:

Reached the age of 65 as of July 1 of the tax year
Owned and occupied the property for at least five (5) years as of July 1 of the tax year
Resided in Massachusetts for at least ten (10) years
a gross income not exceeding $52,000

How long can I defer my taxes?: Taxes may be deferred annually until the taxes are due, including accrued interest, equal 50% of the then assessed value of the property.

When must the deferred taxes be repaid?: The deferred taxes must be repaid when the property is sold, transferred or upon the demise of the owner.

When/where do I file?: Applications may be filed with the Assessing Department, Room 301, City Hall within three months of the mailing date of the third quarter tax bill for the fiscal year.

For Fiscal Year 2012, the filing period deadline is March 30, 2012.

I started deferring my taxes prior to fiscal year 2008, and was paying at an 8% interest rate. How can I get the new 4% interest rate?: Seniors who may have previously deferred their taxes at the higher rate have had any new taxes deferred at 4%. However, previously deferred taxes will remain at 8%.

If enrolled in the deferral program, can I still receive other exemptions (i.e. elderly, veterans, blind, residential, etc.)?: Yes, you may be enrolled in the deferral program and also receive other exemptions.

For more information or how to apply:

For further information or to see if you qualify, contact the Assessing Department's Taxpayer Referral & Assistance Center (TRAC) at 617-635-4287 or visit the TRAC office in City Hall on the Mezzanine level. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM.

For more information, see 2012 Tax Deferral 41A Brochure.

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Tax Deferral for Elderly

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