HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES PASS SENIOR TAX ABATEMENT LEGISLATION

ACTON - 3/10/2008 - State Representative Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) announced that on Thursday, February 28th the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed House Bill 4534, An Act to create an exemption for low-income seniors from Proposition 2 ½ overrides. The bill creates a local option for a tax abatement which can be adopted by the local legislative body.

Many seniors who are now living on fixed and reduced incomes and have lived in a community for a long time find that, as their home values increase, their property tax consumes an increasing share of their income and poses financial hardship to the point where they might not be able to remain in their community. This legislation would allow those seniors to maintain their current level of taxation and their homes even if the community at large opts to increase overall property tax levy to finance essential public services.

“It’s important that we focus on relief of property taxes for those who can not afford to pay them as a result of their financial situation,” said Representative Eldridge. “By giving the option to cities and towns, this bill will help many low-income seniors across the Commonwealth stay in their homes.”

To qualify for the abatement, a property owner or their spouse must be over the age of 65 and be domiciled in that property; have less that $60,000 in annual income; and the property tax levy on the property must exceed 10% of their total income.

First elected in 2002, Representative Jamie Eldridge is now in his third term in the House of Representatives.  He currently serves on the Committees on Election Laws, Small Business & Community Development, and Steering, Policy & Scheduling.