Many but not all communities in Massachusetts offer a tax-abatement option to homeowners: the Senior Citizen and Veterans Tax Work-Off programs, which provide opportunities for residents to perform a job for the municipality at minimum wage (currently $15/hour) in order to see a reduction—based on what they earned—in their property tax bills. The maximum abatement defined in the state law for people 60 and older is $2,000, and the maximum abatement for Veterans, as defined in the state law for that program, is $1,500.
Often, COA Directors or other COA staff members and Town/ City Assessors work in partnership to organize these programs and spread the word to residents. Together they create a system for applications, eligibility screening, and the matching of qualified residents with jobs that have been determined by municipal department heads ahead of time. Municipalities determine their own income eligibility guidelines.
The best programs offer several job opportunities in various departments—and ideally the jobs will draw upon diverse skill sets, maximizing appeal to the public.
If you are already involved with this program, you’ve probably started asking for job descriptions from your municipal colleagues (my experience has led me to believe that you can’t start too early). If your municipality does not have either program yet and you want to start one, consult with your Town Manager/Town Administrator/Mayor. These programs are voted in by City Councils, Select Boards, and other authorizing officials.
It’s easy to find model program guidelines all over the state—and they do differ from community to community. Just Google “Senior Tax Work Off MA” (or “Veterans Tax Work Off MA”) and many communities’ program guidelines will come up.
These programs are an effective way of creating lasting, positive relationships with community participants. They can be the means of getting some help that your budget may not allow, such as Memory Café leadership, Age- and Dementia-Friendly Action Team leaders, meal deliverers, receptionists, greeters, etc. If you can dream it up, it’s possible!
