Bill > S1933

This bill introduces a property tax "shock prevention" mechanism for municipalities that choose to adopt it, designed to help certain homeowners manage significant property tax increases. Specifically, the bill defines four types of "eligible tax shock properties": senior properties (where an owner will be 65+ by year-end), MassHealth-qualifying properties (with a MassHealth enrollee), unemployment-qualifying properties (where an owner received unemployment benefits for 12+ weeks), and properties in high-need neighborhoods (located in qualified census tracts). In a "tax shock year" where residential property tax levies grow more than 10%, participating cities and towns can offer tax credits against third or fourth quarter tax bills for these eligible properties. The credit percentage would be determined by the municipality but cannot exceed 2/3 of the residential property tax levy growth percentage. Municipalities must identify eligible properties, notify homeowners about potential credits, and have funds available to cover these credits. Importantly, cities and towns can choose to participate for all or some of the eligible property types, and their participation does not alter their overall property tax levy limits. The bill aims to provide targeted relief to potentially vulnerable homeowners facing significant property tax increases.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1933