Budget & Taxes (Property Tax)

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 2, 2026

H 3190: An Act granting property tax relief to seniors

This bill (HD 3981) allows Massachusetts cities and towns to provide property tax relief to seniors aged 75 or older. It authorizes local boards of assessors to grant a tax abatement of up to 100% on real and personal property taxes for qualifying residents. Eligibility criteria for this relief would be set by each municipality's board of assessors. The program is optional for local governments, meaning communities must choose to adopt it before offering this tax reduction to seniors.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly grants property tax relief to seniors, reducing their tax burden per title/summary, aligning with tax relief for lower-income groups.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 2, 2026

H 3258: An Act to cap the amount by which a senior's property tax can increase

This bill (HD 3074) caps annual property tax increases for qualifying senior homeowners in Massachusetts. It applies to Class One residential properties owned and occupied as a primary residence by residents aged 65+ who have lived in the state for 10 years and owned/occupied the property for 5 years. The cap limits annual tax increases to 2.5% (including special local tax overrides), preventing large yearly jumps. Local municipalities must approve the program through their selectmen, mayor, and city council before it applies to their residents.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCaps property tax increases for seniors, providing tax relief for fixed-income seniors under Budget & Taxes policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 3252: An Act improving older adult tax relief to address the rising cost of homeownership

This bill amends the definition of "real estate tax payment" to expand eligibility for an existing tax credit for older homeowners. It now includes 50% of paid water and sewer charges (where communities don't assess them) and 50% of homeowner's insurance costs when calculating the credit. The change directly affects older adults owning residential property who pay real estate taxes, making more expenses count toward their credit. For multi-unit properties, the bill clarifies that shared costs like water, sewer, and insurance are included proportionally.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for older adults, directly reducing their tax burden and aligning with tax relief for vulnerable groups under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides property tax relief for older homeowners to address rising homeownership costs, directly supporting housing affordability for a vulnerable group.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Homeownership Property Taxes

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passed both · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 1933: An Act to prevent property tax bill shocks

By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1933) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation to prevent property tax bill shocks. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPrevents sudden property tax increases, protecting homeowners from financial shocks, aligning with fiscal responsibility in tax policy.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prevents property tax shocks, supporting property rights (a housing policy aspect) by protecting owners from financial instability due to unpredictable tax burdens.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 3276: An Act relative to payments of property taxes and payments made in lieu of property taxes for certain gaming licensees

This bill requires municipalities receiving property tax payments or "payments in lieu of taxes" from category 1 gaming licensees (gaming businesses) to spend that revenue equally across all wards or precincts. The funds must be used for specific local projects: public safety facilities/personnel, economic development initiatives, or infrastructure improvements within each individual ward or precinct. Municipalities must annually present a separate line-item budget request to their city council for each ward to cover these designated services. The bill mandates this spending structure, overriding other laws that might direct such funds differently.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes tax payment structure for gaming licensees via payments in lieu of property taxes, ensuring revenue collection and fiscal management compliance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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passed both · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 2036: An Act authorizing the establishment of a mean tested senior citizen property tax exemption

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2036) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to authorize the establishment of a mean tested senior citizen property tax exemption. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes means-tested property tax exemption for seniors, providing tax relief for lower-income seniors, aligning with tax relief indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 20, 2025

S 2021: An Act providing property tax relief for older adults

By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2021) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to provide property tax relief for older adults. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for older adults, directly reducing their tax burden - a clear tax relief measure aligning with support indicators for lower-income groups.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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passed both · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 17, 2026

S 1948: An Act relative to veteran property tax work-off

This bill (S 1948) creates a program allowing veterans who own property in Massachusetts to reduce their property tax bills by performing community service. It directly affects eligible veterans with property tax obligations, enabling them to earn tax credits through volunteer work instead of paying the full amount. The key provision establishes a system where veterans can complete approved service hours to offset their annual property tax liability. The bill focuses on providing a practical alternative for veterans facing financial strain from property taxes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief for veterans by allowing property tax reduction through community service hours, directly lowering tax burden without increasing government spending.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides property tax relief for veterans via community service hours, expanding financial benefits and recognizing veteran service directly.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 22, 2025

S 2061: An Act reducing senior citizen property taxes

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2061) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to reduce senior citizen property taxes. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReduces property taxes for seniors, providing tax relief for fixed-income residents, aligning with fiscal support for vulnerable groups.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 2, 2026

H 3134: An Act relative to a senior citizen volunteer property tax reduction

This bill allows Massachusetts towns to create programs where seniors aged 70+ can volunteer for local services in exchange for a property tax reduction. The reduction, capped at $1,000 annually, is based on volunteer hours (not exceeding minimum wage per hour) and applies in addition to existing property tax exemptions. Towns must track volunteer hours and provide written records to both the assessor and taxpayer before issuing tax bills. The tax reduction is explicitly not considered taxable income, wages, or employment for tax or workers' compensation purposes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for senior citizens, a form of tax reduction benefiting lower-income residents and aligning with support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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