This bill (HD 164) allows towns to create a property tax cap for homeowners aged 65 or older who meet specific income and asset limits: $50,000 or less annual income for singles, $60,000 for married couples, and $75,000 in assets (excluding their primary home and one vehicle). Eligible homeowners would have their property tax recalculated annually based on their adjusted federal gross income (after excluding certain retirement distributions), with the lower of two calculated tax amounts applied each year. The cap applies only to qualifying properties and requires towns to adopt the provision under existing procedures. It directly affects low-income seniors in participating municipalities by limiting their property tax burden.
This bill (HD 3074) caps annual property tax increases for qualifying senior homeowners in Massachusetts. It applies to Class One residential properties owned and occupied as a primary residence by residents aged 65+ who have lived in the state for 10 years and owned/occupied the property for 5 years. The cap limits annual tax increases to 2.5% (including special local tax overrides), preventing large yearly jumps. Local municipalities must approve the program through their selectmen, mayor, and city council before it applies to their residents.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2052) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to establish a local option to exempt fishermen from property taxes. Revenue.
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.
This bill changes how interest is calculated on late real estate and personal property tax payments in Massachusetts. It replaces a fixed 14% interest rate with a provision allowing local governments (like city councils or town meetings) to set interest rates "up to 14%" based on their own decisions. Local tax collectors can now also waive late fees or create payment plans for taxpayers with unpaid balances. The law directly affects property owners who miss tax deadlines by altering the financial penalties and offering flexibility. It focuses on giving municipalities control over interest rates and providing relief options for taxpayers.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2061) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to reduce senior citizen property taxes. Revenue.
By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3134) of Steven S. Howitt for legislation to establish a senior citizen volunteer property tax reduction. Revenue.
By Representatives Scanlon of North Attleborough and Cataldo of Concord, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3234) of Adam J. Scanlon, Simon Cataldo and Adrianne Pusateri Ramos for legislation to create a local option property tax cap for low-income seniors. Revenue.
By Representative Gordon of Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3112) of Kenneth I. Gordon relative to repealing property tax exemptions for certain lessees of Massachusetts Port Authority property. Revenue.
By Representative Arciero of Westford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3005) of James Arciero and Peter Barbella relative to local taxes based on personal or business income instead of local real property taxes. Revenue.
