Gov. Baker Signs Wakefield Senior Property Tax Exemption

WAKEFIELD, MA — Gov. Baker last week signed a Home Rule petition allowing Wakefield to offer a property tax exemption to help homeowners 65 and older living on fixed incomes remain in their homes.

"Enacting Wakefield's home rule petition was a key priority when I took office in March," Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian said in a statement. "Within the first week, I contacted House colleagues and Committee leadership to press for a favorable review of this legislation. I am thankful for their timely review and support. At a time when many in our community are facing significant financial challenges because of COVID-19, this tax exemption is more important than ever."

Under the exemption program, older residents who meet certain income, asset and residency requirements will qualify for additional property tax relief with the amount of the exemption set annually by the Board of Assessors.

"It is great to see House Bill 4475 passed and signed by the governor," State Rep. Donald Wong said in a statement. "This bill will benefit the seniors in our community with some much-needed tax relief. It is always great to work with Town Administrator Steve Maio and the House and Senate Third Reading. This shows what can happen when the state and local government work together."

"As our population ages, and we work to make our communities more elder-accessible, we must be mindful that being elder-accessible also means being elder-affordable," Sen. Jason Lewis said. "This important legislation will give our senior citizens continued access to much-needed financial flexibility, helping them make ends meet and providing relief from the threat of being priced out of their longtime homes."

For questions about the exemption, visit the town of Wakefield website and contact the Assessor's Office at 781-246-6380.