Budget & Taxes (Property Tax)

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 9, 2026

H 4051: An Act relative to establishing a municipal tax assessment increase limit

By Representative Mendes of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4051) of Rita A. Mendes for legislation to establish a municipal tax assessment increase limit. Revenue.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill establishes municipal tax assessment increase limit, restricting potential tax hikes for residents, aligning with 'limit' indicator under 'oppose' stance.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 5341: An Act relative to expanded small property tax abatements in the Town of Auburn

This bill increases property tax abatements for small properties in Auburn, Maine. It raises the exemption threshold from $10,000 to $25,000 for certain residential properties and from $1 million to $5 million for other properties under existing tax law. It also allows the town to grant exemptions for commercial parcels if at least 50% of occupants are eligible businesses. The changes apply specifically to real property within Auburn and take effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases property tax exemptions for residential properties, reducing tax burden on lower/middle-income homeowners per tax relief indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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passed both · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 2036: An Act authorizing the establishment of a mean tested senior citizen property tax exemption

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2036) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to authorize the establishment of a mean tested senior citizen property tax exemption. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes means-tested property tax exemption for seniors, providing tax relief for lower-income seniors, aligning with tax relief indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 20, 2025

S 2021: An Act providing property tax relief for older adults

By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2021) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to provide property tax relief for older adults. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for older adults, directly reducing their tax burden - a clear tax relief measure aligning with support indicators for lower-income groups.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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passed both · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 17, 2026

S 1948: An Act relative to veteran property tax work-off

This bill (S 1948) creates a program allowing veterans who own property in Massachusetts to reduce their property tax bills by performing community service. It directly affects eligible veterans with property tax obligations, enabling them to earn tax credits through volunteer work instead of paying the full amount. The key provision establishes a system where veterans can complete approved service hours to offset their annual property tax liability. The bill focuses on providing a practical alternative for veterans facing financial strain from property taxes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief for veterans by allowing property tax reduction through community service hours, directly lowering tax burden without increasing government spending.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides property tax relief for veterans via community service hours, expanding financial benefits and recognizing veteran service directly.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 104: An Act expanding the senior property tax exemption

HD 104 amends a state law to allow cities and towns to increase the senior property tax exemption amount for homeowners aged 65 or older. Currently, local governments could adjust exemptions by up to 100% or lower the eligibility age; this bill specifically adds the option to raise the base $500 exemption up to $2,000. The change requires local approval through a city council vote (with mayor approval) or a town meeting vote. It directly affects seniors in communities that choose to adopt the higher exemption rate, potentially reducing their property tax burden. The bill does not automatically apply; local governments must act to implement the increased exemption.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands senior property tax exemption (from $500 to $2,000), reducing tax burden for seniors (65+), providing direct tax relief under Budget & Taxes policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 132: An Act relative to payments of property taxes and payments made in lieu of property taxes for certain gaming licensees

HD 132 requires municipalities to spend all revenue received from category 1 gaming licensees - either as property taxes or payments in lieu of taxes - equally across all neighborhoods within the municipality. This revenue must fund specific local projects: public safety facilities/personnel, economic development initiatives, or infrastructure improvements in each neighborhood. The bill mandates that the mayor annually present a separate budget line item for each neighborhood to the city council to ensure compliance. This policy directly affects municipalities receiving such gaming revenue, changing how they must allocate these funds locally rather than using them for general municipal purposes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates equal allocation of gaming tax revenue for public safety, infrastructure, and economic development projects, ensuring dedicated funding for essential services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Property Tax

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 129: An Act relative to payments of property taxes and payments made in lieu of property taxes for certain gaming licensees

This bill requires municipalities receiving property tax payments or "payments in lieu of taxes" from category 1 gaming licensees (gaming businesses) to spend that revenue equally across all wards or precincts. The funds must be used for specific local projects: public safety facilities/personnel, economic development initiatives, or infrastructure improvements within each individual ward or precinct. Municipalities must annually present a separate line-item budget request to their city council for each ward to cover these designated services. The bill mandates this spending structure, overriding other laws that might direct such funds differently.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates use of gaming tax revenue for public safety, infrastructure, and economic development - directly funding essential local services per bill requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 782: An Act relative to the withholding of property taxes by utility companies

HD 782 requires public utilities (as defined in Chapter 40D, Section 1) to pay 100% of their personal property tax bill before they can file an appeal. This change modifies the process for utilities challenging tax assessments. The bill directly affects utility companies subject to personal property taxation under Massachusetts law. It mandates full payment as a prerequisite for appealing tax disputes, altering the existing procedure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates full tax payment before appeal, ensuring timely revenue collection for state budget and strengthening fiscal management procedures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1532: An Act authorizing a local affordable housing surcharge

HD 1532 authorizes cities and towns to impose a local surcharge of up to 2% on real estate taxes to fund affordable housing, but only after approval by a two-thirds vote of the local government and voter acceptance via ballot question. The surcharge applies to property taxes (not included in total tax calculations for certain limits) and funds must be deposited into an affordable housing trust. Exemptions include low-income housing, senior housing, commercial properties, and $100,000 per residential parcel. Cities may adjust the rate annually but cannot change it more than once per year, and funds remain dedicated to housing programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes a local tax surcharge (up to 2%) on real estate to fund affordable housing, directly advancing public service funding through taxation.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes 2% real estate surcharge to fund affordable housing via local trust, with exemptions for low-income housing. Directly funds housing programs per bill's explicit purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Property Tax Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

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