As a way to alleviate financial burdens and address the increased cost of living, Hingham doubled the value of many of its real estate tax exemptions and expanded other tax relief programs. Most of the applications are due on April 1 and can be submitted online or in person at the Assessors’ office.
The revised tax exemption programs, which were voted on at the 2023 Annual Town Meeting, aim to provide increased relief to ensure residents can stay in their community and are not overburdened with increasing taxes.
“As a board, we recognized the importance of increasing financial relief to residents in the Hingham community who need it most,” said Joshua Ross, Chairperson of the Board of Assessors. “Hingham continues to see home sale prices at an all-time high, which increases the property values of all homes and in turn, the real estate taxes of some of our residents. I am proud we can offer additional relief to many residents like those who are on fixed incomes or served our country and continue to look for new programs to offer to help with property tax bills.”
The enhanced property tax relief programs include:
- Senior Exemptions: which includes persons 65 years or older, surviving spouses or persons over 70, who meet certain income limitations
- Veterans Exemptions: which includes those who are partially or fully disabled and those who received a Purple Heart
- Gold Star Parents or Spouses
- Legally Blind Individuals
- Senior Means-Tested Tax Exemption –a senior-focused program for those who are eligible and submitted a MA State Circuit Breaker Tax Credit on their 2023 taxes
- Community Preservation Act (CPA) Exemption – a program that exempts elderly and low-income families from the CPA surcharge tax
- Financial Hardship Relief: Any taxpayer who cannot meet his/her real estate tax obligation due to age and infirmity and insolvency may apply for onetime forgiveness. A taxpayer of any age who is unable to meet their tax obligation may apply for a temporary tax deferral
- Elderly & Disabled Taxation Aid Fund: the Taxation Aid Committee makes grants at their discretion for Residents over 60 or a disabled person who meets certain income limitations and apply
Hingham also offers tax ‘work off’ programs for eligible seniors (persons 60+) and veterans. Residents who qualify can even have a representative complete the work if they are unable to do it themselves. Eligible residents who complete approved tasks and projects, for up to 125 hours in a calendar year, can receive up to $1,875 in tax relief.
“In the last two years, we have collectively voted to invest in two major capital projects, the new Foster Elementary School and Public Safety Building, and authorized an operational override to fund a deficit created from the aftereffects of the pandemic and skyrocketing costs,” explained Liz Klein, Chair of the Select Board. “It is important our Town takes care of our most vulnerable citizens and offers tax relief to the greatest extent possible.”
Those interested in learning more about the updated tax exemption programs and determining their eligibility are encouraged to contact the Assessor’s office by phone at 781-741-1455, by email at assessors@hingham-ma.gov, in person on the first floor of Town Hall or by visiting their webpage at Hingham-ma.gov/178/board-of-assessors for further information and assistance. The staff in the Assessors’ office is ready to help any resident with questions and applications.