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Real Estate Tax Exemptions
- in Worcester, Massachusetts -
What are real estate tax exemptions?
Real estate tax exemptions reduce the amount of property taxes homeowners must pay to the city or town where they live. Only certain categories of people can get real estate tax exemptions. Exemptions may cover all or part of the total real estate taxes due.
Massachusetts allows cities and towns to choose the specific type of exemptions ("clauses") they want to offer. Worcester real estate tax exemptions include:
- blind exemption (clause 37A)
- elderly exemption (clause 41C)
- widow/widower; minor child with one parent deceased; and other elderly exemption (clause 17D)
- veteran with a service-connected disability (or surviving spouse) exemption (clause 22)
In addition, elderly homeowners with limited incomes may qualify for a property tax deferral (clause 41A). A deferral delays the payment of taxes, but does not reduce the amount of tax.
Am I eligible?
To qualify for a real estate tax exemption or deferral, you must meet eligibility requirements. The requirements depend on the type of exemption or deferral. Eligibility requirements may include:
You can only get one exemption per year, even if you meet the eligibility requirements for more than one exemption.
For detailed information about Worcester real estate tax exemption and deferral eligibility requirements, see Worcester Real Estate Tax Exemptions on the City of Worcester web site. You can also call the Worcester Assessor's Office at 508-799-1024 for eligibility information.
What benefits will I get?
An exemption lowers the amount of taxes you owe. The exemption amount depends on your category (blind, elderly, etc.) Worcester exemptions are higher than in most other Massachusetts communities:
- the exemption for the blind (clause 37A) is $1000
- the elderly exemption (clause 41C) is $1400
- the surviving spouse/minor child/other elderly exemption (clause 17D) is $350
- the veteran's exemption (clause 22) ranges from $800 to $2500
A deferral delays the tax payment but does not reduce the amount you owe. If you qualify for a real estate tax deferral, you must pay back the deferred amount, plus interest, when you sell or transfer the property, or upon the death of the property owner.
How do I apply?
You must file an application for an exemption with the city tax assessor. In Worcester, you must file by March 1 for the current year's tax bills.
You should call the Worcester Assessor's Office at 508-799-1024 to check your eligibility before you visit the office to file for your exemption. The Assessor's Office is located at:
City of Worcester
Assessor's Office
City Hall Room 209
455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Telephone: 508-799-1024
If you do not file on time, you will not get the exemption. Exemptions are granted for one year at a time. You must reapply each year.
More information
You can find more information about Real Estate Tax Exemptions on our statewide web site, MassResources.org. When you click on the link below, you will go to MassResources.org. Click "Back" on your browser to return to WorcesterResources.org.
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