Melrose Reminds Residents of Available Discounts, Tax Relief Measures

Independent of the override, the Board of Aldermen earlier this year passed a number of discounts and tax relief measures for senior citizens and low income residents, in order to ensure that Melrose remains affordable for all our residents.

Melrose Mayor Robert Dolan would like to make sure all residents are aware of these opportunities.

Here’s a check on all of the discounts and tax relief measures that are available:

Solid Waste Fee Discount

Seniors 65+ with an income $65,870 or less for singles, $75,280 for married couples, are eligible for a 50% discount for trash.

Solid Waste Fee Waiver

Any resident with an income $35,000 or less for singles, $40,000 for married couples, who owns and occupies a home, is eligible for a 100% discount on the trash fee.

Property Tax Work Program (PTWP)

The exemption amount of the Senior Work-off abatement is now $1,000 per year, up from $750. This is the maximum allowed under Massachusetts General Law. Melrose property owners who are over 60 or disabled and who meet annual income limitations may qualify for this program, whereby residents volunteer hours working in a city department in exchange for a credit on property tax.

The City has also removed the cap on the number of seniors who may participate in the Senior Tax Work-off abatement on an annual basis.

Senior Tax Exemption

The Senior Tax Exemption has been increased to $1,000 per year for seniors who qualify. This is the maximum allowed under Massachusetts General Law.