Tax Relief for Sturbridge Seniors
Circuit Breaker Tax Program is for certain persons 65 years and over whose property taxes exceed 10% of their annual income. You may be eligible for the refundable tax credit for the past 3 years even if you did not file income tax forms with the state. Income restrictions change yearly. Assessed valuation of your home changes yearly. Renters may claim a credit in the amount by which 25% of their annual rental payment is more than 10% of their total income. You may contact the Dept. of Revenue for more information or for forms for the past 3 years.
Town of Sturbridge Tax Assistance for Low Income Seniors and Disabled Citizens
One must be 65 years or older or have state recognized disability. Total gross income should not exceed $20,000 if single and $30,000 if married or if others reside in the household. All taxes and fees due to the Town must be current. Applications can be downloaded at the Finance Committee site, Town of Sturbridge, MA or you can pick up an application at the Financial Dept., Joshua Hyde Library, or the Senior Center. Completed applications and support documents must be returned to the Sturbridge Tax Assistance Committee between January 15th and no later than Feburary 15th.
Senior Municipal Service Program allows seniors 60 and above to work off up to $500 of their annual tax bills by working for certain Town departments at the Massachusetts minimum wage. The number of people who can participate is limited to the amount the Town budgets for the program. Contact the Assessor's Office.
Abatements All taxpayers have the right to file for an abatement of their taxes if they believe that their property has not been fairly valued. Information on applications and deadlines is printed on tax bills or can be obtained from the Assessor’s Office.
Exemptions An exemption releases an individual from the requirement to pay all or part of their property tax obligation. Exemptions are available to individuals that meet various requirements in the following categories: Elderly, Blind, Minor Children of Police/Firefighters killed in the line of duty, Disabled Veteran, Widows or Widowers, Orphaned Minor Children. Qualifications and filing deadlines for exemptions or deferrals of property tax are available from the Assessor’s Office.
41A Deferral of payment of taxes One’s tax payment can be deferred, with 8% interest, for a senior over 65 yrs. Check income and asset requirements. Details and deadlines are available from the Assessor’s Office.
18A Temporary tax deferral Tax payment can be deferred for hardship for up to 3 years, with no age restriction. Additional information is available at the Assessor’s Office.