An exemption is a release from the obligation of having to pay taxes on all or part of a parcel of real property. Personal Exemptions are a reduction in taxes due to a particular personal circumstance and qualifications set forth in the Massachusetts General Laws. The burden is on the applicant to show that he or she falls within the expressed terms of the exemption provision. Exemptions are granted for one year only and an application must be filed to receive the exemption each year. A taxpayer may not receive more than one exemption; however, if a taxpayer qualifies for more than one exemption, the Assessor will grant the exemption of the largest value.
For any of the following real estate exemption types, please use the new combined application form. Complete all sections that apply. If you qualify under more than one category, you will receive the exemption that provides the greatest amount of assistance.
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a Senior Tax Deferral – Clause 41A:
Yes, you must have been domiciled in Massachusetts for the preceding ten years, and have owned the current property or other property in Massachusetts for at least five years.
For Calendar Year 2021, your gross income, including your social security benefits, can’t be more than $26,529 if you are single and $39,794 if you are married.
Your whole estate, not including the value of the property, can’t be more than $41,492 if you are single and $57,052 if you are married.
The City of Worcester offers residential exemptions with limits that are adopted yearly by the City Council. It is only granted to one property that serves as a property owner's principal residence of the taxpayer as used for Federal and State income tax reporting. To be eligible, the owner must occupy the property as their principal residence on January 1 preceding the fiscal year for which they are applying. A fiscal year runs from July 1 to the following June 30.
An abatement is a reduction in a real estate valuation based on a correction to the assessed valuation. The assessed value has nothing to do with the age of the owner, the income of the owner or any other financial information about the owner. The assessment represents an estimate of market value. An elderly exemption is a reduction in a real estate tax due based on certain age and income requirements set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. An individual who files for an abatement of real estate valuation because of age and/or income has filed the wrong form. Instead, that individual should file for an elderly exemption. The only factor the assessors examine on an abatement application is the market value of the property. Age and/or income do not factor into assessment determination. (Please refer to Questions 5 and 6).
You have until April 2 to file an application for the current fiscal year. There are requirements for each type of exemption and you will need to show us documents that support your application.
Motor vehicles owned and registered by the following individuals or organizations are exempt from motor vehicle excise:
Once any of these exemptions is allowed, required documentation must be updated every five (5) years and a motor vehicle excise exemption application must be filed annually.
Excise Tax Exemption Application
Chapter 60A, Section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws provides excise tax exemptions for vehicles owned by certain disabled individuals and veterans, ex-prisoners of war and their surviving spouses and certain charitable organizations. Please contact the Assessors office at 617-796-1160 for further details on eligibility.
City Assessor
City Hall Room 209
455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: 508-799-1098
Fax: 508-799-1021
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Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.