Website Announcement/ Newsletter Announcement

A new and exciting program has been approved within the City of Springfield!! Beginning on February 10^th, 2025, applications will be available for the Senior Tax Work Off Program.  Seniors age 60 and over can apply for the opportunity to save $1000.00 per year by volunteering 67 hours within the City to reduce their tax burden. 

 

Seniors meeting the Massachusetts Circuit Breaker Income limits who apply will be entered into a Lottery, where up to 20 participants will be selected.

     Applications will be available at the City of Springfield Department of Elder Affairs offices and the Assessor’s office, as well as on the City Webpage via a downloadable PDF that must be filled out and submitted in person to the Elder Affairs office. Senior residents interested can submit an application beginning February 10^th.  For more information, seniors may contact us at 413-886-5260, or by email at TaxWorkOff@springfieldcityhall.com

Participant Eligibility: 

• Age: Be sixty (60) years of age or older as of July 1^st 2025.
• Property Owner: Be the property owner, and the property for which the abatement or credit is to be applied must be their primary residence; or be the current spouse of such homeowner residing in the same household. Only one (1) tax credit per household per fiscal year is allowed. "Ownership" means the assessed owner of the property on which the tax to be credited is assessed, or have acquired ownership by July 1 of the year before the work is to be started and the credit applied. If the property is subject to a trust, the senior must have legal title (be one of the trustees), before the work is performed and the credit applied.
• Income Restrictions: Applicants must certify that their income does not exceed the limits set by the Massachusetts Circuit Breaker Tax Credit*, which are currently

* The income restrictions listed above simply mirror those set by the separate State-administered Circuit Breaker Tax Credit program and do not require the applicant to apply for and/or receive that benefit. For questions on how potential participation in the Town Senior Tax Work Off Program may affect eligibility or benefits received from the Massachusetts Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Program, contact the agency that administers that program (Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue), or consult a competent tax or legal professional. 

• Application: Complete the application in its entirety before the deadline.
• Background: Complete a background check including but not limited to CORI and reference checks; Tax Work Off Packet, a COS Separation Form and a New Hires and Policies sign off Packet.  All must be completed and submitted before starting the program.      Any person found guilty of having committed a criminal act involving the city or any of its officers or employees shall be ineligible to participate in the program; Be current with property tax and other payments owed to the City of Springfield.
• Skills: Possess and identify employable skills; be interviewed for job placement by Program Assistant, Elder Affairs Director, or other designees.

Tax Abatement:

• Maximum amount of abatement: $1,000 per person per fiscal year
• FY26 Hourly Rate: $15.00 per hour. Under MGL c. 59, § 5K, the hourly rate for service credit cannot exceed the state's minimum wage; therefore, the rate shall be set to the state's minimum wage in effect at the time.
• FY26 Max Hours: 67 hrs. The maximum number of hours to be credited will be determined by dividing the maximum credit amount of $1,000 by the state minimum wage per hour in effect at the time. Any hours worked beyond the maximum number of hours per year cannot be accumulated for the Tax Work Off Program.  Working less than 67 hours results in a prorated tax credit based on the number of hours worked.
• Income Tax Implications: Money earned through the Tax Work Off Program is reportable income for federal payroll taxes only, and as such federal taxes are withheld from the final abated amount. Participants will receive a W-2 form for the amount of money earned through the program,. The City is unable to provide you tax, financial, or legal advice, and applicants are encouraged to contact a competent tax, legal or financial professional in advance to consider all implications on personal situations. 

Job Placement Process:

• Application Period: Applicants must apply during the designated application period to be considered for an assignment in the upcoming session. Applications must be completed in their entirety and submitted timely to be considered.
• Consideration: In coming years, primary consideration will be given to first time applicants. Individuals previously chosen for the program may make re-application in biennial years. No applicant is guaranteed a position. A lottery system will be used if there are more applicants than available positions. Those not selected from the lottery will be placed on a waiting list if more slots become available. Applicants on the waiting list may be considered at times throughout the year for situations including unexpected vacancies, emergency needs, or if there were no qualified candidates available during the consideration period.
• Vetting, Interviews and Placement: Applicants will be interviewed by the Elder Affairs Department for initial job placement. Individuals will be chosen based on the best match between the applicant's qualifications and the skill requirements of each job. The worksite supervisor may interview the participant after initial selection and placement by the Elder Affairs Department, to further confirm skills, availability and interest in the specific assignment. Applicants should note the following:
  • There is no guarantee that a placement can be matched with a participant based on worksite needs and skills of the participant.
  • Each individual must be willing to fulfill the total hours of service anticipated for the selected assignment.  There is no guarantee that an assignment will continue for the full 67hrs needed to receive the maximum tax abatement amount. The City of Springfield, based on need, may place the participant in more than one (1) job in attempt to fulfill the total hours.
  • Program participants may not work for relatives who are Town employees.
• Start of assignment: Worksite schedule will be determined by worksite supervisor and participant. Work may commence for participants after July 1^st-Octboer 1^st of the respective period, and after receiving confirmation from the Elder Affairs Department of the assignment.  There will be a two (2) week probationary period to assess the appropriateness of the placement.
• Verification of hours: Time sheets must be signed off by the worksite supervisor verifying hours worked. A final accounting of time worked will be submitted by the supervisor to the Program Assistant and Assessor for the abatement based on the number of hours worked.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 

Senior Tax Work-off Program

Where can I obtain an application for the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM?

Applications are available at all Springfield Senior Centers and the City of Springfield’s website.

At what age can you apply for the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM?

Applicants must be aged 60 as of July 1^st 2025 to earn property tax abatement under this program. Proof of age will need to be provided at time of application with copy of I.D., License, Birth Certificate, or Passpoort.

Do I have to own the property in order to apply for the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM?

Yes, the applicant/taxpayer must be the assessed owner of the property as of July 1^st  of the applicable assessment year or, if the property is subject to a trust, the senior must have legal title, (i.e. be one of the trustees) to the property on which the tax to be abated is assessed.  Where there is a question, the Board of Assessor’s will make a final determination.

Is there a minimum amount of years I have to own and occupy a property in Springfield to apply for the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM?

No, you must own and occupy a home in Springfield by to July 1^st 2025. 

Will I be able to participate in the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM if I owe back taxes?

No, you must be current with the Collector’s office and not in arrears.

What is the maximum amount of hours I can volunteer during the year in the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM?

The maximum hours allowed for volunteering is 67 hours for a maximum abatement amount of $1,000. Rate is calculated based on minimum wage rate.

How will my hours worked in the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM be documented?

Hours must be documented in the time sheet provided at orientation and signed off on by the volunteer and his/her supervisor. 

Can more than one qualifying owner participate in the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM per fiscal year?

No, only one qualifying owner of the parcel may earn an abatement under this program per fiscal year. 

What happens if I am participating in the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM and due to circumstances, I cannot complete all of the hours?

If a selected owner cannot fulfill the commitment for all hours, another owner of the same property may complete the program if they also meet the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM requirements. If that’s not possible, credit will be awarded for the hours worked towards the abatement. 

Will everyone who applies receive a position in the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM?

No.  There are a limited number of available positions each year.  Applicants will be entered into a lottery, if applications exceed 20 approved for the lottery. Twenty (20) applications will be anonymously selected to participate in this pilot year. (2025 )

When should I submit my completed application for the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM?

Completed applications must be submitted to the Raymond Jordan Center by March 31^st, 2025 by 4:00pm EST.  to be considered for the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM for the upcoming calendar year. Late applications will not be accepted. 

Where do I submit my completed application?

All applications must be submitted to the Department of Elder Affairs at the Raymond Jordan Senior Center, 1476 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA  01109.  A PDF or Microsoft Word Document can be downloaded and printed out to complete through the Springfield City Website.  Applications will also be available physically at the Raymond Jordan Center and our other Senior Centers under the City of Springfield, the Springfield Central Library in downtown, and at City Hall at the Assessors Office and Veterans Services Office.

What is a CORI check and why is one being done?

CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) is a record of all criminal court appearances in Massachusetts for a particular individual, including arrests, convictions, dismissals, and serious violations.  All volunteers for the City of Springfield, including SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM applicants, are subject to a CORI check as required by policy. This information is kept strictly confidential. 

Am I ensured this position from year to year?

No, program selection is valid for one year. Applicants cannot participate in consecutive years. 

Who is responsible for administering SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM?

The Department of Elder Affairs will be responsible for overseeing this program.

When will I receive my Senior Work-off Abatement?

All hours must be completed between July 1^st 2025 and October 1^st 2025.  You will receive a certificate of completion by January 31^st of the following year. The abatement is applied to the following year’s tax bill. The abatement is typically credited to the third and fourth quarter tax bills. 

Since participation in the SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM is considered income earned, will there be taxes deducted?

Yes, the abatement is subject to withholdings (OBRA and Medicare AT 7.5%) The abatement is not subject to state income tax withholdings.  The City will pay the employer share of the federal withholdings and issue a W-2. The share of these deductions will be deducted from the abatement amount. This means that the actual amount abated from the tax bill will be the amount earned less federal tax withholding, OBRA and Medicare. 

If I’m not selected, are there other Savings Programs available that can help me? Yes, there are many programs that can assist such as Circuit Breaker, Extra Help for Prescriptions, Fuel Assistance, and SNAP Benefits. Check with our Outreach Division at 787-6125

Questions regarding the Program may be directed to: taxworkoff@springfieldcityhall.com. or call (413) 886-5260 You may also visit the Department of Elder Affairs at the Raymond Jordan Senior Center at 1476 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA 01109 

Program Overview

The Senior Tax Work-Off Program allows eligible seniors and veterans, aged 60 and up, to volunteer in City/Town Departments and receive in exchange an abatement on their property taxes. Volunteer work is paid at the minimum wage and the “wages” earned are applied to property taxes as an abatement.

Program Goals

To assist senior citizen homeowners of the City of Springfield with the offset payment residential property tax bills. Acknowledging the skills and abilities of senior citizens and the community is continuing need for their services. 

Applications will be accepted from February 10^th, 2025 to March 31^st, 2025 and will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. 

Please note that awarded participants will be selected, via a lottery system. Applicants, who are selected may be required to show proof of income, and will receive notification of acceptance by no later than April 30^th, 2025.

Preguntas Frecuentes sobre el Programa de Trabajo por Impuestos para Personas Mayores

¿Dónde puedo obtener una solicitud para el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES? Las solicitudes están disponibles en todos los Centros para Personas Mayores de Springfield y en el sitio web de la Ciudad de Springfield.

¿A qué edad puedo solicitar el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES? Los solicitantes deben tener 60 años al 1 de julio de 2025 para obtener la exoneración de impuestos a la propiedad bajo este programa. Se deberá presentar prueba de edad al momento de la solicitud completando el Formulario I-9.

¿Es necesario ser propietario de la propiedad para solicitar el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES? Sí, el solicitante/contribuyente debe ser el propietario evaluado de la propiedad al 1 de julio del año de evaluación aplicable o, si la propiedad está sujeta a un fideicomiso, el adulto mayor debe tener el título legal (es decir, ser uno de los fideicomisarios) de la propiedad sobre la que se aplica el impuesto a exonerar. En caso de duda, la Junta de Evaluadores tomará una determinación final.

¿Es necesario haber sido propietario de una propiedad en Springfield durante un tiempo mínimo para solicitar el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES? No, debe ser propietario y ocupar una vivienda en Springfield antes del 1 de julio.

¿Podré participar en el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES si tengo impuestos atrasados? No, debe estar al día con la Oficina del Recaudador y no tener pagos vencidos.

¿Cuál es la cantidad máxima de horas que puedo trabajar como voluntario durante el año en el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES? El máximo de horas permitidas para voluntariado es de 67 horas por un máximo de exoneración de $1,000. La tasa se calcula con base en el salario mínimo.

¿Cómo se documentarán las horas trabajadas en el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES? Las horas deben ser documentadas en la hoja de tiempo proporcionada durante la orientación y firmadas por el voluntario y su supervisor.

¿Pueden participar más de un propietario calificado en el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES por año fiscal? No, solo un propietario calificado de la propiedad puede recibir una exoneración bajo este programa por año fiscal.

¿Qué sucede si estoy participando en el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES y, debido a circunstancias, no puedo completar todas las horas? Si un propietario seleccionado no puede cumplir con el compromiso de todas las horas, otro propietario de la misma propiedad puede completar el programa si también cumple con los requisitos del PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES. Si esto no es posible, se otorgará crédito por las horas trabajadas hacia la exoneración.

¿Todos los que soliciten recibirán una posición en el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES? No. Hay un número limitado de posiciones disponibles cada año. Los solicitantes serán ingresados en una lotería pública. Se seleccionarán de manera anónima veinte (20) solicitudes para participar en este año piloto (2025).

¿Cuándo debo enviar mi solicitud completada para el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES? Las solicitudes completas deben ser enviadas al Centro Raymond Jordan antes del 31 de marzo de 2025, a las 4:00 p.m. EST, para ser consideradas para el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES del próximo año calendario. Las solicitudes tardías no serán aceptadas.

¿Dónde debo enviar mi solicitud completada? Todas las solicitudes deben enviarse al Departamento de Asuntos para Personas Mayores en el Centro para Personas Mayores Raymond Jordan, 1476 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA 01109. Un documento PDF o de Microsoft Word puede descargarse e imprimirse para completarlo a través del sitio web de la Ciudad de Springfield.

¿Qué es una verificación CORI y por qué se realiza? CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) es un registro de todas las apariciones en tribunales penales en Massachusetts de una persona en particular, incluyendo arrestos, condenas, desestimaciones y violaciones graves. Todos los voluntarios de la Ciudad de Springfield, incluidos los solicitantes del PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES, están sujetos a una verificación CORI según lo requerido por la política. Esta información se mantiene estrictamente confidencial.

¿Tengo asegurado este puesto de año en año? No, la selección del programa es válida solo por un año. Los solicitantes no pueden participar en años consecutivos.

¿Quién es responsable de administrar el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES? El Departamento de Asuntos para Personas Mayores será responsable de supervisar este programa.

¿Cuándo recibiré mi Exoneración de Trabajo para Personas Mayores? Todas las horas deben completarse entre el 1 de julio y el 1 de octubre. Recibirá un certificado de finalización antes del 31 de enero del año siguiente. La exoneración se aplica al recibo de impuestos del año siguiente. Generalmente, la exoneración se acredita en los recibos de impuestos del tercer y cuarto trimestre.

Dado que la participación en el PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO POR IMPUESTOS PARA PERSONAS MAYORES se considera ingresos ganados, ¿se deducirán impuestos?Sí, la reducción está sujeta a retenciones (OBRA y Medicare AT 7.5%) La reducción no está sujeta a retenciones de impuestos estatales sobre la renta. La Ciudad pagará la parte del empleador de las retenciones federales y emitirá un W-2. La parte de estas deducciones se deducirá del importe de la reducción. Esto significa que la cantidad real reducida de la factura de impuestos será la cantidad ganada menos la retención de impuestos federales, OBRA y Medicare.

Si no soy seleccionado, ¿existen otros programas de ahorro disponibles que puedan ayudarme? Sí, existen muchos programas que pueden ayudar, como el Circuit Breaker, ayuda adicional para recetas, asistencia para calefacción y beneficios SNAP. Comuníquese con nuestra División de Alcance al 787-6125.

Las preguntas relacionadas con el programa pueden enviarse a: taxworkoff@springfieldcityhall.com o llamar al (413) 886-5260. También puede visitar el Departamento de Asuntos para Personas Mayores en el Centro para Personas Mayores Raymond Jordan en 1476 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA 01109.

Resumen del Programa
El Programa de Trabajo por Impuestos para Personas Mayores permite a los adultos mayores y veteranos elegibles, de 60 años o más, realizar trabajo voluntario en los departamentos de la ciudad o del municipio y recibir a cambio una exoneración en sus impuestos a la propiedad. El trabajo voluntario se paga al salario mínimo y los "salarios" ganados se aplican a los impuestos a la propiedad como exoneración.

Objetivos del Programa
Asistir a los propietarios de viviendas de la ciudad de Springfield con el pago de los impuestos a la propiedad residencial. Reconocer las habilidades y capacidades de los adultos mayores y la necesidad continua de sus servicios en la comunidad.

Las solicitudes se aceptarán desde el 10 de febrero de 2025 hasta el 31 de marzo de 2025 y se revisarán en el orden en que se reciban.

Tenga en cuenta que los participantes seleccionados serán elegidos a través de un sistema de lotería. Los solicitantes seleccionados pueden ser requeridos para mostrar prueba de ingresos y recibirán notificación de aceptación a más tardar el 30 de abril de 2025.

Jose Hernandez

Program Assistant

Tax Work Off Program

City of Springfield

Department of Elder Affairs

1476 Roosevelt Avenue

Springfield, MA 01109

Office Line: (413) 886-5260

Fax: (413) 750-2694

Email: jhernandez@springfieldcityhall.com