TAX COUNSELING STARTS IN FEBRUARY
AARP is consolidating their resources this year. As a result, tax preparation will not be offered at the Norwell COA. Instead, you are asked to make an appointment at one of the following locations
- Hanover COA - (781) 878-6361
- ingham Elder Services - (781) 741-1458
- arshfield COA - (781) 834-5581
This is simple tax preparation only. You will need to bring last year's taxes (2008), any 1099 forms and any other pertinent information for 2009.
SENIOR WORK PROGRAM
A mandatory meeting will be held on Jan. 11, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. for anyone interested in participating in the Senior Work Program for Fiscal Year 2011. Eligible participants who complete 94 hours of work, will receive a reduction/credit of $750 on their real estate taxes.
Like Fiscal Year ‘10, the program is treated as payroll and then credited to your total Fiscal Year ’10 tax bill. Eligibility requirements are that residents reach age 60 by July 1 of the program fiscal year and that they have been residents and homeowners for a minimum of 5 years. There can only be one resident/participant per household. Please bring proof of residency to the meeting. Those homeowners whose property is in a trust need to bring proof that they are also the beneficiaries of the trust. New applicants will get preference and the remaining applicants will be placed in a lottery. The program enrollment deadline is March 1, 2009. Call the COA office at 781-659-7878 for more details or to register for this meeting.
ELDERLY EXEMPTIONS PROGRAM
There are some exemptions available through the Norwell Assessor's office that could benefit you as a taxpayer in town. The exemptions/clauses include:
· Clause 17E: Older Citizens, 70 and over or surviving spouse, $175;
· Clause 41D: Older Citizens, 70 and over, $1,000 (approved at the special town meeting;)
· Clause 41A: Tax Deferral, 65 and over, to defer all or a portion of your taxes;
· Clause 18: Hardship exemption, issued by the Board of Assessor's.
All of the exemptions have specific and varied requirements. Please call the Norwell Assessor's Office at 781-659-8014 for information and an application. Applications must be returned by March 1, 2009. COA staff will gladly help you complete the form.
CIRCUIT BREAKER TAX
Taxpayers, 65 or older, may be eligible to claim a credit on their state income tax for real estate taxes paid on the primary residential property, owned or rented in Massachusetts. For tax year 2009, the maximum credit is $960 for both homeowners and renters. To learn more about the credit and requirements, please call the COA 781-659-7878 or the Department of Revenue at 1-800-392-6089.
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