Hingham Property Tax Relief Programs Available for Qualifying Residents

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The number of Hingham property owners who are taking advantage of the town's property tax relief-focused Senior Means Tested Exemption Program is on the rise.

"It's now in its third year," Assistant Town Administrator for Finance Michelle Monsegur said recently.

There was a 300 percent increase in applications from FY22 to FY23 and a 330 percent increase in applications approved, with a 298 percent increase in total exemptions awarded. This is due in large part to the town's significant past and continuing outreach efforts.

Longtime Hingham residents and property owners who are 65 and older and who qualified for the Massachusetts State Income Tax Refundable Credit known as the Circuit Breaker in Calendar Year 2022 -- and who meet certain income and asset requirements -- may qualify for the program.

Voters at this year's town meeting made this exemption, with a maximum Fiscal Year 2024 benefit of $1,200 as set by the state -- permanent.

Applications are due to the Assessor's Office by Sept. 1, 2023. If eligible, the credit will be applied to Dec. 2023 property tax bills.

The Board of Assessors is hoping that those who have benefitted from the program so far and others who are aware of it will spread the word to other residents who may qualify.

For further information, call the Assessor's Office at (781) 741-1455.

"The staff there can walk citizens through the different [tax relief] programs that are
available," Monsegur said.

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