Massachusetts bill would enable municipalities to offer “tax shock” prevention credits when residential property taxes climb sharply

According to the State House News Service, “tomorrow is the deadline to submit written testimony to Senate Ways and Means on property tax bills (S 1933, S 1935) sponsored by Sen. Brownsberger and Sen. Collins.”

“The committee, which opted against holding an in-person public hearing despite a surge in interest in Boston property tax levels, began accepting written input Dec. 11.”

“Brownsberger’s bill would enable municipalities to offer “tax shock” prevention credits when residential property taxes climb by more than 10% in the third quarter. Cities and towns can opt in during tax-shock years and choose which of the outlined eligible groups can receive the credits: seniors, residents eligible for MassHealth and unemployed taxpayers.”

“I hope to be able to move that in January,” Brownsberger said during a Dec. 14 virtual forum on property taxes.

“The Collins bill would authorize uniform rebates for households that received the residential exemption in the prior fiscal year.”

“The bills from Boston-area senators gained attention as Boston’s home rule petition to temporarily shift more of the city’s property tax burden onto commercial owners sputtered out on Beacon Hill.”

House Speaker Mariano told reporters last week the senators “pulled these bills right out of their back pocket.”

“The proposals were sent to the Joint Committee on Revenue in February but languished without a hearing before they were redirected to Ways and Means.”