National Guard property tax exemption approved

The City Council approved an order authorizing the extension of property tax exemption for members of the Massachusetts National Guard and reservists serving in foreign countries.

On November 1, 2017, the City Council passed a message and order authorizing the City of Boston to extend the property tax exemption for members of the Massachusetts National Guard and reservists who are serving in foreign countries, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws. The City of Boston shall extend the property tax exemption for up to 100% for active members of the National Guard or reservists for Fiscal Year 2018.

The National Guard exemption provides a 100% real estate tax exemption to homeowners who are active members of the National Guard or Military Reserve serving in a foreign country during the fiscal year. The exemption, which the City began offering in Fiscal Year 2012, requires City Council action to extend this tax relief program every two years per the Massachusetts General Laws.

Since 2012, the Assessing Department has approved 17 National Guard exemptions, saving qualified members of the National Guard or Military Reserve nearly $40,000 in real estate taxes collectively.

Information about the exemption, for qualified members of the National Guard or Military Reserve, can be found on the Assessing Department’s website and through the Veteran Services Department. The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on the matter on Monday, October 30, 2017.