Did you know that some municipalities in Massachusetts have programs that help owners who occupy their primary residence reduce their property taxes? The table below has some information that is subject to change and may not be a comprehensive list. If you would like assistance in finding out if your city or town has a program you may qualify for, please contact us, we'll be happy to help!
Massachusetts Owner-Occupied Property Tax Reduction Programs
| Municipality | Exemption | Eligibility Notes | How to Apply | Renewal Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | Yes | Own and occupy as primary residence by Jan 1; annual application required. | Apply Here | Annual application required; must remain owner-occupied |
| Brookline | Yes | Primary residence; ownership as of Jan 1; may need periodic reapplication. | Apply Here | Periodic reapplication may be required; confirm annually |
| Carlisle | Yes | Income-limited owner-occupied exemption; application required. | Apply Here | Annual application required; income eligibility reviewed annually |
| Cambridge | Yes | Primary residence; owned and occupied Jan 1; application required. | Apply Here | Annual application required; must remain primary residence |
| Chelsea | Yes | Primary residence; owned and occupied Jan 1; application required. | Apply Here | Annual application required; must remain primary residence |
| Concord | Yes | Own and occupy as primary residence by Jan 1; application required. | Apply Here | Annual application required; must remain primary residence |
| Malden | Yes | Own and occupy; graduated benefit; application required. | Apply Here | Annual application required; must remain primary residence |
| Marlborough | Yes | Primary residence; owned and occupied Jan 1; application required. | Apply Here | Annual application required; must remain primary residence |
| Nantucket | Yes | Year-round resident; must own and occupy Jan 1; annual application required. | Apply Here | Annual application required; must remain year-round resident |
| Reading (Means-tested) | Yes | Income-limited; up to 200% of Circuit Breaker; application required. | Apply Here | Annual application required; income eligibility reviewed annually |
| Somerville | Yes | Primary residence; owned and occupied Jan 1; application required. | Apply Here | Annual application required; must remain primary residence |
| Tisbury | Yes | Year-round resident; owned and occupied Jan 1; application required. | Apply Here | Annual application required; must remain year-round resident |
| Waltham | Yes | Primary residence; owned and occupied Jan 1; application required. | Apply Here | Annual application required; must remain primary residence |
| Watertown | Yes | Own and occupy by Jan 1; exemption automatically renews unless ownership/occupancy changes. | Apply Here | Automatically renews unless ownership or occupancy changes |
| Wayland (Means-tested) | Yes | Income-limited; matches Circuit Breaker; application required. | Apply Here | Annual application required; income eligibility reviewed annually |
Disclaimer: This information is provided as a general educational resource.
Programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes may change.
Homeowners and buyers should verify all information directly with the city or town’s
Assessor’s Office for the most current details.
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