Budget & Taxes (Tax Incentives)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 302: An Act allowing the town of Williamstown to expand financial eligibility for senior property tax exemption

HD 302 authorizes the Town of Williamstown to raise the income and asset limits for senior property tax exemptions beyond current state requirements. The town could adjust these limits up to the state's "circuit breaker" income tax credit threshold for married couples filing jointly (though eligibility would not depend on marital status). This change would directly expand access to property tax relief for more seniors in Williamstown who currently exceed the town's existing exemption limits. The bill provides local flexibility without altering state law, allowing Williamstown to tailor its senior tax relief program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands property tax relief for seniors by raising income/asset limits, directly providing tax relief per Budget & Taxes indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1027: An Act relative to senior property tax deferral

This bill establishes a senior property tax deferral program in Massachusetts, allowing residents aged 65+ who have owned and lived in their home for 5 years to defer property taxes. The state allocates $450 million to a revolving fund to reimburse cities and towns for deferred taxes, which must be repaid when the property is sold, transferred, or upon the owner’s death (with surviving spouses receiving temporary relief). Eligible homeowners must sign a repayment agreement, and municipalities must verify eligibility via property tax bills. The program replaces prior rules with specific repayment terms and requires annual reporting on fund usage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax deferral relief for seniors with $450M state funding, offering fiscal relief to fixed-income homeowners while managing municipal reimbursements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2065: An Act relative to tax abatement equity

HD 2065, titled "An Act relative to tax abatement equity," requires public utilities in Massachusetts to pay taxes based on their own proposed alternative assessment amounts during tax appeals. It directly affects public utilities defined under Chapter 40D when challenging tax assessments. The bill mandates that utilities must submit their proposed assessment, pay tax on that amount immediately, and face a 25% penalty if the tax board deems their appeal insufficient. This aims to create fairness in the tax process by preventing delays in payment during appeals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates public utilities to pay taxes on their proposed assessment during appeals, closing a loophole and ensuring timely tax revenue, promoting fiscal responsibility.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2879: An Act to reimburse cities and towns affected by the decommissioning of power plants

This bill amends a state law to require the Commonwealth to reimburse cities and towns for lost tax revenue when power plants within their borders close (decommission). It directly affects municipalities that experience reduced property tax income due to power plant shutdowns. The key provision adds a specific funding mechanism to the existing law, directing state funds to cover this loss without creating new taxes or programs. The reimbursement applies only to tax revenue directly tied to decommissioned power plants in a given city or town.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReimburses municipalities for lost property tax revenue from power plant closures using state funds, preventing budget shortfalls without new taxes or programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Tax Incentives

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3894: An Act to establish a sales tax exemption for earth day

This bill (HD 3894) creates a sales tax exemption for specific eco-friendly products purchased on Earth Day. It directly affects consumers buying Energy Star-rated products or hybrid/electric vehicles during Earth Day sales. The key provision adds a new exemption to the tax code, removing sales tax from these items on that single day each year. The bill does not change general sales tax rates or apply to other products outside this specific day and category.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides temporary sales tax exemption for eco-friendly products, offering consumer tax relief on specific items during Earth Day.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill exempts Energy Star products and electric/hybrid vehicles from sales tax on Earth Day, directly promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts sales tax on Energy Star products and EVs on Earth Day, incentivizing clean energy adoption and reducing emissions per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives Recycling

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4016: An Act relative to National Guard state tax exemption

This bill creates a state tax exemption for Massachusetts National Guard members. Starting January 1, 2027, eligible members can exclude 100% of specific military-related income from their state taxable income. The exemption covers income earned while: attending drills or training (32 U.S.C. duty status), working as a federal dual-status technician with the Guard, or serving in state active duty. It directly affects Massachusetts National Guard members whose income falls under these three categories. The policy change removes state tax liability on this specific income, effective for taxable years beginning in 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax exemption for National Guard members, aligning with tax relief indicator for Budget & Taxes85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransTax exemption for National Guard income directly reduces financial burden on veterans, advancing their benefits as per bill's explicit purpose.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives National Guard & Reserve

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1743: An Act expanding residential and senior tax exemptions

This bill (HD 1743) increases tax exemptions for senior homeowners and primary residence owners in Massachusetts. It raises the qualifying age for senior exemptions from 35 to 50 years old, doubles the income threshold for primary residence exemptions from $4,000 to $8,000 annually, and increases the property tax exemption amount from $500 to $1,000. The bill also significantly expands income limits for married couples (from $7,000 to $90,000 combined) and raises tax rate exemptions from 5% to 10% and 20% to 40%. These changes directly affect Massachusetts homeowners aged 50+ or those meeting the new income thresholds, providing greater tax relief by expanding eligibility.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands tax exemptions for seniors and primary residence owners, raising income thresholds and exemption amounts to provide relief for middle-income households.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1069: An Act relative to National Guard state tax exemption

This bill creates a state tax exemption for Massachusetts National Guard members. It exempts 100% of specific military-related income from state taxes, including pay from drills, annual training, active duty, dual-status technician roles, or state active duty service. The exemption applies to income already counted in federal adjusted gross income and takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2027. It directly affects Massachusetts National Guard members receiving these types of military compensation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax exemption for National Guard members, creating tax relief for a specific group as a fiscal policy.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts National Guard military income from state taxes, directly expanding financial benefits for veterans as defined by the topic's scope.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives National Guard & Reserve

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1534: An Act to repeal the sales tax exemption for aircraft

By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1923) of Michael J. Barrett, James B. Eldridge and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to repeal certain tax exemptions for aircraft. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRepealing sales tax exemption for aircraft generates additional state revenue by closing a tax loophole, directly advancing fiscal responsibility and budgetary goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 497: Resolve providing for an investigation and study by a special commission relative to a senior state property tax deferral program

By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 2022) of Edward J. Kennedy that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to a senior state property tax deferral program. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill proposes study of senior property tax deferral program, providing tax relief for fixed-income seniors, aligning with tax relief indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

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