Tax Relief for Seniors

Winchester senior citizens should be aware that there are several programs available through the town and state to provide significant tax relief to those in need. Recently, Town Meeting changed some of the requirements for the elderly exemptions including reducing the age to 65 and increasing the amount of the exemption. Below is a summary of some of the available programs.

Elderly Statutory Property Tax Exemption

Persons 65 years of age and over, who meet the income and asset requirements, are eligible for up to $1,000 off their property tax bill. For more information, contact the Assessors Office at 781-721-7111.

Elderly Work Program

Persons 60 and over, who meet the income requirements, and who provide work assistance to town departments such as the Council on Aging and Library, are eligible to earn a credit of up to $1500 off their property tax bill. For more information, contact the Council on Aging at 781-721-7136.

Voluntary Contribution Fund For Senior Citizens and Disabled Citizens

Many Winchester residents have made voluntary contributions to provide property tax assistance to those seniors and disabled residents in need. Seniors 60 and over and disabled citizens who meet the income requirements are eligible for up to $500 in property tax assistance through this program. For more information, contact the Assessor’s Office at 781-721-7111.

Property Tax Deferral Program

Seniors 65 and over who meet the income requirements are eligible to defer all, or a portion, of their annual property tax until they transfer ownership of the property. For more information, contact the Assessor’s Office at 781-721-7111.

State Circuit Breaker Law

Seniors 65 and over whose combined property taxes and water and sewer charges exceed 10% of their income are eligible for a state income tax credit of up to $750. Contact your income tax preparer for assistance.