Massachusetts House Bill H3807

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/24/23
• Refer: 4/24/23
• Refer: 5/11/23
• Engrossed: 5/25/23
• Engrossed: 6/12/23
• Refer: 6/15/23
• Enrolled: 6/22/23
• Chaptered: 6/29/23
• Passed: 6/29/23

Caption

Authorizing the town of Wakefield to establish a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption

Impact

If implemented, the bill will have significant implications for property tax laws at the local level in Wakefield. This means that qualifying seniors will benefit from direct financial relief related to their property taxes, which could help them maintain home ownership and offset living costs in retirement. The funding for this exemption will be managed by redistributing the tax burden so that all residential taxpayers share the cost proportionally. The act overall aims to support the senior community and ease the financial strains faced by elderly homeowners in the town.

Summary

House Bill 3807 authorizes the town of Wakefield to establish a means-tested property tax exemption for senior citizens. The bill aims to provide financial relief to low-income seniors by allowing them to have a reduction in their property taxes. The exemption is intended specifically for residential properties that meet certain criteria regarding ownership and occupancy by individuals aged 65 and older. The board of assessors in Wakefield is tasked with determining the amount of the exemption from year to year, allowing flexibility to adjust based on current economic conditions.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding H3807 include concerns about the financial implications for the town's revenue and how the assessed property values will be determined to qualify for the exemption. While supporters advocate for the necessary support for seniors, opponents may argue that a potential reduction in tax revenue could limit funding for other critical local services. The bill's language about eligibility criteria and asset review could also raise questions about the fairness and transparency of the approval process for applicants. Additionally, the bill includes a sunset provision, meaning it will expire after three years unless extended, provoking further debate on its long-term viability.