Amendment #327 to H4879

Small Business Relief

Representatives Livingstone of Boston and Chan of Quincy move to amend the bill by inserting at the end, the following:

in M.G.L Chapter 59 a new section 5I 1/2 that has the following text:

"With respect to each parcel of real property classified as class three, commercial, in each city or town certified by the commissioner to be assessing all property at its full and fair cash valuation, and at the option of the board of selectmen, mayor, or city manager, with the approval of the city council, as the case may be, there shall be an exemption equal to not more than 50 percent of the value of the parcel and equal to not more than 50 percent of a reduction in rent given by the property owner to the tenant business; provided, however, that such exemption shall only apply to property that is occupied by a business that, during the COVID-19 state of emergency (i) saw a decrease in business of at least 33% (ii) has its principal place of business in the Commonwealth; (iii) has at least 50 percent of its employees located in the business's principal place of business; (iv) employs 50 or fewer full-time employees working at one place of business; and (v) has gross revenues equal to or less than $10,000,000 in the fiscal year prior to eligibility. This exemption shall be in addition to any exemptions allowable under section five.

In those cities and towns in which an exemption is made available hereunder, a taxpayer aggrieved by the failure to receive such commercial exemption may apply for such commercial exemption to the assessors, in writing, on a form approved by the commissioner, on or before the deadline for an application for exemption under section 59.

A timely application filed hereunder shall, for the purposes of this chapter, be treated as a timely filed application pursuant to section 59."

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #327 to H4879

Small Business Relief