The Mass Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit is available for seniors age 65, as of December 31, 2020, and who meet certain income guidelines: $61,000 for single; $76,000 for head of household; $92,000 for married couples filing a joint return. Those eligible can receive a max credit of $1,150. Credit is based on the amount by which the sum of the property tax, and water and sewer charges exceeds ten percent of the taxable income.
Those interested in filing for the Mass Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit must do so by filing an individual income tax return with the state Department of Revenue. For tax year 2018, nearly 1,500 city households received an average $809 in income tax credit for a total of $1.2 million credited or refunded to city taxpayers.
The City of Springfield property tax exemptions for qualifying persons, per state statute, are listed below. All property tax exemption applications must be filed with the City of Springfield Assessor’s Office no later than the deadline stated.
Type | Clause | Amount | Deadline |
Aged 70 or over* | 17D | $175.00 | April 1, 2021 |
Widow or Widower* | 17D | $175.00 | April 1, 2021 |
Age 70 or higher** | 41C | $500.00 | April 1, 2021 |
Veterans, either: minimum 10% disabled, Purple Heart, Gold Star parents/spouses | 22 a-f | $400.00 | April 1, 2021 |
Veterans, either: severely disabled or other specific criteria | 22 A-F | $750 | April 1, 2021 |
Blind | 37 | $437.50 | April 1, 2021 |
Senior Tax Deferral | 41A | N/A Tax is deferred in full until sale or death, when full tax and accrued interest are due. NOTE: Deferred amounts are recorded as a lien against the property | April 1, 2021 |
*Applicants must document they meet financial qualifications pertaining to assets.
** Applicants must document they meet financial qualifications pertaining to income and assets.
Mayor Sarno stated, “I know we are all living in surreal and challenging times and everyone is experiencing some form of financial burden. I want to encourage our residents to take advantage of any and all tax relief measures that might be available either locally or from the state. The Mass Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, which is available by the State Department of Revenue when filing your state income tax return, and the local property tax exemption, which can provide relief for those households that are eligible.”
Board of Assessors Chairman Allen states, “Hundreds of city households receive this relief annually. We want to be sure that all qualifying persons are aware of the due date, and how they might qualify. Please visit www.springfield-ma.gov and click on Property Assessments to learn the requirements.”
The Assessor’s Office is located at City Hall, 36 Court Street, Room 10. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. As the City of Springfield is continuing to adhere to all COVID-19 Coronavirus public health and safety protocols and guidelines, residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment to drop off their applications by calling the city’s 311 Call Center at (413) 736-3111. Residents can also mail their applications to the Board of Assessors at 36 Court Street, Room 10, Springfield, MA 01103.