This bill establishes a real estate transfer fee of up to 2% on property sales in Boston to fund affordable housing and senior tax relief programs. The fee is paid by the seller but excludes the first $2 million of a property's value and includes exemptions for family transfers, government entities, and other specific cases. Collected funds must be deposited into the Neighborhood Housing Trust, though the city can reserve some for additional housing stability initiatives. Additionally, the legislation updates the criteria for senior homeowner property tax exemptions by raising income and asset limits to better protect vulnerable residents from displacement.
This bill expands a property tax exemption for homeowners in the town of Wellfleet, allowing them to exclude up to 35 percent of their home's assessed value from taxation. The exemption applies specifically to a taxpayer's principal residence or a year-round home occupied by a Wellfleet resident, with the town responsible for defining who qualifies as a resident. To receive this benefit, property owners must submit a written application to the town's board of assessors by the standard deadline, and the final tax bill cannot reduce the property's taxable value below 10 percent of its full worth.
This bill authorizes the town of Wakefield to create a property tax exemption specifically for senior citizens who meet certain income and residency requirements. To qualify, applicants must be at least 65 years old, have lived in the town for at least 10 years, and have income levels that would make them eligible for the state's circuit breaker tax credit. The exemption amount is set annually based on the previous year's circuit breaker credit, and the town's assessors review applications to ensure applicants do not have excessive assets. The program is designed to run for a maximum of three years before expiring.
By Representative Fluker-Reid of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5464) of Brandy Fluker-Reid (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to real estate transfer fees and senior property tax relief in the city of Boston. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]
Substituted by the House, on motion of Mr. Walsh of Peabody, for a bill with the same title (House, No. 4526) [Local Approval Received]. April 30, 2026.
By Representative Kassner of Hamilton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kristin E. Kassner and others relative to senior property tax credits. Revenue.
This bill authorizes the city of Newton to place liens on properties for unpaid local charges, fees, or fines, including those imposed by city ordinances or court orders. The liens become active once recorded with the registry of deeds and can be added to property tax bills if unpaid by the assessment deadline. Property owners are responsible for all costs related to recording or removing the liens, and the city council must vote to specify which charges apply before enforcement begins.
HD 5630 would allow the town of Reading to create a property tax exemption for seniors meeting specific income, age, and residency requirements. It directly affects seniors aged 65+ (or 60+ with a 65+ partner) who own and live in their Reading home for 10+ years, have income qualifying for the state's circuit breaker tax credit, and limited assets. The exemption amount would be set annually by Reading's select board at 100-150% of the qualifying circuit breaker credit, applied only to the primary residence. Applicants must reapply yearly with income and asset documentation, and the exemption expires after three years. The town would fund this through proportional adjustments to the residential tax levy.
By Representative Kassner of Hamilton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kristin E. Kassner and others relative to senior property tax credits. Revenue.
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5103) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Richard M. Haggerty and Jason M. Lewis (by vote of the town) that the town of Reading be authorized to establish a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption in said town. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]
