Circuit Breaker Tax Credit
MA residents who are 65 or older by Dec. 31 of the tax year who meet income eligibility guidelines may be able to receive a maximum of $2,590 (for the 2023 tax year) through this state-level program. Both homeowners and renters who are MA residents may apply. Eligible applicants whose calculated CB Tax Credit exceeds the total tax payable for the year will receive a refund check.
The filing deadline is April 17, 2024.
Eligibility guidelines are clearly described on the Mass.gov MA Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit webpage.
This webpage also has clear and readable flyer to hang in your Center.
Applicants must file a Schedule CB with their MA personal income tax return—income-eligible people who generally do not file their MA state income taxes should be encouraged to do so! Applicants may also be able to receive up to three prior years’ worth of tax credits, so this process is worth the effort! Find prior year forms and instructions here.
AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are equipped to help clients with the Schedule CB paperwork. Sites offering the Tax-Aide program, many of them MA senior centers, can be found using their locator tool.
Applicants can also use MassTaxConnect to file for free.
