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Overview on Exemptions
An exemption is a release or discharge from the obligation to pay all or a portion of a local property tax. Exemptions are established by the legislature for particular categories of property or persons and are generally found in General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5. Exemption is a privilege and any claimant must demonstrate that it clearly qualifies.
Exempt Persons
Persons who may qualify for exemptions include disabled veterans, blind persons, surviving spouses, and seniors.
Qualification Date
Exempt status is determined as of July 1. Ownership, occupancy, use, age or any other eligibility criteria must be met as of that date.
Filing Date
Exemption applications are due three months from the date of mailing of each December bill. Typically, the three month timeframe for filing is December 19th to March 19th.
TOWN OF READING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR
PERSONAL REAL ESTATE EXEMPTIONS – FY '11
(BOLD indicates a change from prior years)
Clause |
Basic Qualifications |
Maximum Income |
Maximum Assets (other than domicile) |
Exemption Amount |
Elderly: |
|
|
|
|
17D |
Age 70 or older |
N/A |
$40,000 |
$175 |
41C |
Age 65 or older - single |
$20,000 |
$40,000 |
$750 |
41C |
Age 65 or older - married |
$30,000 |
$55,000 |
$750 |
|
|
|
|
|
Veterans: |
|
|
|
|
22 |
10% Wartime Service Disability or Purple Heart |
N/A |
|
$400 |
22A |
Loss of foot, hand or eye |
N/A |
N/A |
$750 |
22B |
Loss of two limbs or eyes |
N/A |
N/A |
$1,250 |
22C |
100% disability with specially adapted housing |
N/A |
N/A |
$1,500 |
22D |
Surviving spouses of soldiers, sailors or guardsmen who died due to injury or disease from being in combat or missing and presumed dead to combat |
N/A |
N/A |
Full, with a cap of $2,500 after 5 years |
22E |
100% Disability / 10% Service |
N/A |
N/A |
$1,000 |
22F |
Paraplegic due to war injury |
N/A |
N/A |
100% |
|
|
|
|
|
Others: |
|
|
|
|
37 |
Legally Blind |
N/A |
N/A |
$500 |
17D |
Surviving spouse or orphaned minor child |
N/A |
$40,000 |
$175 |
42/43 |
Surviving spouse or orphaned minor of Police Officer of Fire Fighter killed in line of duty |
N/A |
N/A |
100% |
18 |
An individual by reasons of age, infirmity and poverty, can not fully contribute to their tax obligation as deemed by the Assessors |
N/A |
N/A |
Varies |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Tax Payment: |
|
|
|
|
41A |
Age 65 or older |
$40,000 |
N/A |
Varies |
Deferred taxes accumulate with simple interest at 8%, as a lien on the property until it is sold or the owner(s) is deceased then the interest is 16%.
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