What type of exemptions (reductions from real estate taxes) does the Town of Scituate offer?

A variety of exemptions are available under Massachusetts Law to reduce property tax obligations for certain qualifying taxpayers: elderly persons, blind persons, disabled Veterans, surviving spouse or orphaned minor child, widow or orphaned minor of Police or Firefighter, and extreme hardship. Exemptions are distinguished from abatements in that exemptions refer to the person while abatements refer to the property.

The qualifying date is July 1, the first day of the fiscal year. When the third quarter actual tax bill is sent to taxpayers in late December, applications are due within 90 days of the postmark date.

If you have the slightest suspicion you may be eligible or have any questions, call the Assessors Office to discuss details. Note: that certain income limits include deductions (Clause 41C) and asset limits do not include the value of owner occupied condominiums, and 1, 2, 3 family houses. Certain exemption applications will require a copy of the tax forms filed in the last calendar year, or a statement indicating that the applicant(s) does not file tax forms. The number of owners of the property also falls into the review of qualification, which may mean non-eligibility of the exemption, a pro-rated, or a full exemption.