Bill > S2364

This bill clarifies property tax exemptions for solar and wind energy systems in Massachusetts. The key provisions are: 1. A solar or wind system that produces up to 125% of the annual electricity needs of the real property it is located on is exempt from property taxes, as long as the real property includes contiguous or non-contiguous property within the same municipality owned or leased by the system owner. 2. Any other solar or wind system that produces more energy must have a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with the municipality where it is located. 3. The Department of Revenue and Department of Energy Resources will issue guidance on the valuation and assessment of taxes for solar and wind facilities producing more than 125% of the property's energy needs, including standardized formulas and recommendations for payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements. 4. Municipalities can consider the state guidance when negotiating payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements, but are not required to adopt it. 5. Existing payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements entered into before the effective date of this act do not need to be amended. 6. The guidance required by this bill must be issued within 9 months of the effective date of July 1, 2018.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2364