Over the years, we’ve reported on various local and state programs that relieve retirees from a portion of their real estate taxes. Here we’ve assembled a brief summary of the major relief programs.

As you’re reviewing this, please keep the following points in mind:

Several of the property tax exemption (Clauses 17s and 41s) programs and the work-off abatement program, are subject to local acceptance. Therefore, please check with your local tax assessor’s office to learn exactly what programs are available to you.

In addition to the income and/or asset limits, shown in the summary, each of these programs have conditions that must be met, relating to how long you owned your home and possibly lived in this state (domicile). Our office has available brochures by Mass. DOR that outline ownership/domicile and other requirements, as well as the application process, for each program.

As we’ve always emphasized when we reported on the state’s “Circuit Breaker” program, it is the only property tax relief program that retirees, who are renters, may also take advantage of, along with homeowners.

Remember, as always, that you can apply for local property relief and also file for the state’s “Circuit Breaker,” which means that some members could receive a combined break on their real estate taxes worth over a thousand dollars - not an insignificant amount.