Residential Reductions in Real Estate Taxes- Does it apply to you?

Many cities in Massachusetts allow their residents a residential reduction in taxes if they own a home and live there as their primary residence. To be eligible, the owner must occupy the property as their principal residence on January 1 of this year. If you recently bought and owned as of January 1, 2015 now is the time to apply. Check with your town or city for specific requirements and instructions for application.

Here are helpful links to the various towns/cities in Massachusetts that allow a residential reduction:

Boston:

You may also apply online for the residential exemption beginning on January 1st of the tax year until the filing deadline. To access the form for your property, go to Assessing Online and enter identifying information such as parcel ID, last name, or street address in the search box. Click on “Details” among the search results associated with your property. On the property summary screen, click on the link to “file a Residential Exemption Application for FY2014”. If a residential exemption has already been granted for the given tax year then this will be noted in the “Abatements/Exemption” section. Please note that applicants must print out their online residential exemption application and return it to the Assessing Department, Room 301, City Hall OR to the Taxpayer Referral & Assistance Center (TRAC), mezzanine level, City Hall by March 31, 2014.