Press Room

An Act authorizing the establishment of a mean tested senior citizen property tax exemption makes it easier for towns and cities to offer tax relief to seniors through a local property tax exemption by opting in to a new statewide program.

This legislation builds on the successful Senior Circuit Breaker income tax credit, a means-tested refundable credit based on an eligible senior’s taxes or rent for their primary residence. The relief given to seniors by the Circuit Breaker credit has increased by 135 per cent over the past couple of years under the 2023 tax relief package, with a maximum credit now on income tax returns of $2,820 in tax year 2025.

The details of the legislation are below.

Creates Local ‘Opt-In’ Tax Relief. Creates a statewide property tax exemption program for eligible seniors in participating communities. Town and city governments would be able to seamlessly opt in or out of the senior citizen property tax exemption by a vote of their town meeting, city council, or other local legislative body.

Prioritizes Longtime Residents. Makes relief available, in participating communities, to seniors who are age 65 or older, own and occupy the eligible property, have lived there for at least the last ten years, and meet certain financial requirements.

Gives Local Government the Reins. Allows a town or city’s local Board of Assessors to set the annual amount for their local senior tax exemption, which could be as high as 200 per cent of the Senior Circuit Breaker’s maximum amount. The exemption amount would be spread proportionally across the town or city’s residential tax levy.