Massachusetts Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit for older homeowners

What this program is, in plain English

Massachusetts offers property tax relief to older homeowners through some combination of a homestead exemption, a senior freeze that locks the assessed value, a circuit breaker credit tied to income, and a deferral that postpones the bill until the home is sold. Massachusetts Department of Revenue sets the rules, but almost all of these are filed with your county assessor or treasurer, not with the state. Deadlines are once a year and missing one usually costs you the whole year, so call the county assessor and ask which relief you qualify for and when the form is due. A deferral is a loan against the house, not a discount, so ask what interest is charged before you sign. A refundable state income tax credit for homeowners or renters age 65 or older whose property tax or rent payments exceed a set percentage of income, subject to income and assessed-value limits; claimed by filing a Massachusetts income tax return with Schedule CB.

Who qualifies

• You are 60 or older.
• Income limit: Not yet verified — call to confirm

What to have ready

• Photo ID showing the address of the home you live in
• Proof of age, such as a driver's license or birth certificate
• Last year's property tax bill
• Proof of income for everyone who owns or lives in the home
• The deed or proof that you own and occupy the home

How to apply

This program is run by Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Processing times vary by state.