Some MA Residents Will Receive A One-Time $250 Tax Rebate

BOSTON — House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilka issued a joint statement Thursday saying they "will act" to provide one-time tax rebates of $250 to eligible taxpayers and $500 to eligible married couples.

Eligibility for the payments will be based on an individual's annual income reported in 2021. Those who are eligible will need to have earned at least $38,000 last year, but no more than $100,000. The maximum for married couples is $150,000.

Since Massachusetts has not gone forward with a gas tax suspension, the tax rebate appears to be the lawmakers' version of relief.

Related: Baker Backs Biden's Gas Tax Bill, House Reps Do Not

Citing high inflation, the Massachusetts leaders say the state has collected historic surpluses and this tax rebate comes as a result. According to the State House News Service, the legislature is expected to have a surplus of $3.6 billion when the final accounting of the fiscal year is complete at the end of July.

"Whether it is the rising price of gas, groceries, or summer clothes for kids, the Massachusetts Legislature has heard loud and clear that increased costs due to inflation have cut into family budgets," Mariano and Spilka said. "That is why we are proud to announce that the Massachusetts Legislature will act to establish the Taxpayer Energy and Economic Relief Fund, through which economic relief rebates for individuals and families will be issued."

The State House News Service also reported that lawmakers are trying to approve a budget for the Commonwealth's new fiscal year which could include a $600 million tax relief package.

One-time rebates of $250 for a taxpayer who files an individual return, and $500 for married taxpayers who file joint returns, will be issued to eligible Massachusetts residents before September 30, 2022.