REAL ESTATE EXEMPTIONS

With limited exceptions, you may only receive one exemption under MGL c.59 s 5, for each fiscal year.  If you qualify for more than one, you will receive the one that provides the greatest benefit.   Please don't hesitate to contact our office, so we can make sure you are getting the exemption that best fits your circumstances.

Clause 41C
- $750

Elderly - Age 65

To qualify, one must be 65 years of age as of July 1st; one’s income cannot exceed $20,000 (single person) or $30,000 (married persons); assets cannot exceed $40,000 (single person) and $55,000 (married persons); and one must have owned and occupied the real estate for five years.

Income includes all sources, such as wages, Social Security, pensions, interest, dividends, rent, etc. There is a Social Security income exclusion of $5,653 (single person) and $8,480 (married persons). This annually adjusted amount is deducted from overall income to determine eligibility.

Assets include bank accounts, checking accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, saving certificates, boats, real estate, etc.  Most primary residences are exempt from the asset qualification.

 

Clause 17D - $175

Widow, Widower, Person Over 70 or Minor Surviving Child

To qualify, one must be 70 as of July 1st; one's assets may not exceed $40,000; and one must have owned and occupied the real estate for ten years.  There is no income limit for this exemption.

Assets include bank accounts, checking accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, saving certificates, motor vehicles, boats, real estate, etc. Most primary residences are exempt from the asset qualification.

Clause 22 - $400 - $1000

Disabled Veterans

There are several exemptions available for veterans with war-related disabilities, veterans with Purple Hearts, Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross or Air Cross, and for surviving spouses of qualifying veterans.

Clause 37A - $500

Blind

To qualify, one must have a certificate from the MA Commission of the Blind as of July 1st, and for each July 1st in which an application is filed.

 

Clause 41A - Amount Varies

Tax Deferral

To qualify, one must be 65 years of age as of July 1st; one’s gross receipts cannot exceed the income limit established annually by the Commissioner of Revenue for single non-head of household to qualify for the Circuit Breaker state income tax credit for the previous year, as voted by the Selectboard in Nov 2009; and one must occupy the residence.

This exemption allows a qualifying resident to defer a portion or all of their annual real estate taxes until the owner(s) chooses to sell the property, or until the owner(s) dies.

If a resident qualifies for this exemption then:

The Town of Norfolk places a lien on the property. This lien allows the town to collect the deferred taxes, plus interest, at the time of sale of the property.

If a mortgage or other lien is held on the property, the other lien holder, including reverse mortgages, must sign off on the deferral to allow the Town of Norfolk to collect the deferred taxes plus interest before the other liens or mortgages are paid.  

Interest accrues on the deferred taxes at an annual rate of 4%.

The owner is able to choose each year whether or not to defer any or all property taxes, up to a total deferred amount equal to 50% of the assessed property value.  The payment of deferred taxes and accrued interest is due when the property is sold or you pass away, unless your surviving spouse continues to defer. As of that date, the interest rate goes up to 16%. If 6 months later, the deferred amount has not been paid, the treasurer may petition the Land Court to foreclose the lien on the property.

Clause 18 –Amount Varies

Hardship-Age and Infirmity

You may quality if you do not have the financial resources to pay your taxes  because (1) you were called into active military service (not including initial enlistment), or (2) you are older and suffer some physical or mental illness, disability or impairment.   To qualify, one must meet the requirements of age, disability and financial hardship as determined by the Board of Assessors.  The amount of the exemption varies on a case-by-case basis.

Chapter 44B - $25 - $175

Community Preservation Act

To qualify, one must meet the requirements of age, household size and income as established in the Community Preservation Act. Qualified applicants receive a full abatement of their CPA real estate tax surcharge, which currently equates to about $25 - $175.