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How seniors can file for a tax deferral

Last updated:

Are you 65 or older and can’t pay your property taxes? You may be eligible to defer your taxes to help you stay in your home. You have two ways to file for the deferral:

Step
1

Before you get started by mail

For Fiscal Year 2024, you have until April 1, 2024, to file an application for the current fiscal year. You need to meet all of these requirements to join the program:

  • you need to have reached 65 as of July of the fiscal year
  • you need to have owned and lived in your home for at least 5 years as of July 1 of the fiscal year
  • you need to have lived in Massachusetts for at least 10 years, and
  • your gross income can’t be more than  $69,000, but the qualifying income limit is subject to change each year.

Your deferred taxes gain interest at a rate of 1 percent.

Step
2

Call us at Boston City Hall

Please contact the Taxpayer Referral and Assistance Center at 617-635-4287. We will send you a Tax Deferral application.

Step
3

Mail us your application

Complete the Tax Deferral application and mail it to us at City Hall:

Assessing Department, Room 301
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Step
1

Before you get started in person

 

For Fiscal Year 2024, you have until April 1, 2024, to file an application for the current fiscal year. You need to meet all of these requirements to join the program:

  • you need to have reached 65 as of July of the fiscal year
  • you need to have owned and lived in your home for at least 5 years as of July 1 of the fiscal year
  • you need to have lived in Massachusetts for at least 10 years, and
  • your gross income can’t be more than $69,000, but the qualifying income limit is subject to change each year.

Your deferred taxes gain interest at a rate of 1 percent.

Step
2

Go to Boston City Hall

Fill out and complete a Tax Deferral application at the Assessing Department:

Assessing Department, Room 301
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201

Keep in mind

You can defer all or part of your property taxes every year as long as:

  • you continue to meet the qualification criteria, and
  • your total amount of deferred taxes plus interest isn't more than half of your ownership share of the property. This is based on your property's assessed value.

The taxes need to be paid when the property is sold, transferred, or when the property owner dies.

If you are enrolled in the Tax Deferral Program, you can still get personal exemptions. Learn more about personal exemptions.

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