How to File for a Residential Tax Exemption

Every taxpayer who owns residential property in the Greater Metro Boston area and has occupied the property as their primary residence may be eligible for a residential tax exemption for the current fiscal year. Qualified homeowners can benefit by having a portion of their property value exempt from taxation. To apply for a residential tax exemption fill out an application within the specific time frame indicated by your municipality.

To get you started we have pulled together the resources and application forms available to you as provided by your city of primary residence, below.

Filing an application for residential exemption does not mean you can postpone your tax payment - if approved you will be issued a credit later in the fiscal year. Keep in mind that each city works a little bit differently, so research your city below and call the assessors office with any questions.

Boston

Check here to see if you already have the residential exemption. If you don't, learn how to apply here.

Pro Tip: If you find the residential tax exemption for your property is already in place by the previous owner, do not submit any paperwork at this time or you may lose the exemption. Often times the exemption will carry over from the previous seller as it takes a while for the city to process. Once you qualify for the residential exemption as explained by the city be sure to file your application.

 

 

Brookline

Check here to see if you already have the residential exemption. If you don't, learn how to apply here.

Cambridge

Check here to see if you already have the residential exemption. If you don't, learn how to apply here.

Somerville

Call the assessors office at 617-625-6600, ext.3100 to see if you already have the residential exemption. If you don't, learn how to apply here or by visiting the assessor's office page.

Arlington

Arlington does not offer a residential exemption, however they offer a variety of exemptions to reduce property tax obligations for certain qualifying taxpayers. Find out if you belong to one of the qualifying groups, click here.

Call the assessor's office if you think you are eligible, 781-316-3050.

Malden

Check here to see if you already have the residential exemption. If you don't, learn how to apply here.

Chelsea

Call the assessors office at 617-466-4010 to see if you already have the residential exemption. If you don't, learn how to apply here.

Waltham

Call the assessor's office at 781-314-3200 or submit an information request to see if you already have the exemption. Learn how to apply here and contact the assessors office.

Watertown

The towns assessor mails residential exemption applications each year in the fall to qualified property owners. Learn more. If you did not receive an application and believe you qualify please call the assessors office at 617-972-6410.

Nantucket

Check to see if you already have a residential exemption in place by calling the city assessor at 508-228-7200, ext.7037. If you don't, learn how to apply here.

Everett

Check here to see if you already have the residential exemption. If you don't, learn how to apply here. 

Barnstable

Call the assessor's office at 508-862-4022 to see if you already have the residential exemption. If you don't, learn how to apply here.

Tisbury

Check here to see if you already have the residential exemption. If you don't, learn how to apply here. 

Provincetown

Call the assessor's office at 508-487-7017 to see if you already have the residential exemption. If you don't learn how to apply here. 

 

*This is for informational purposes only. Please contact the appropriate city assessor's office to get up to date information regarding the residential exemption available in your city.