Mayor Walsh to Sign Ordinance to Help Older Residents with Their Property Taxes

BOSTON - Wednesday, November 7, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced he will sign an ordinance passed by the Boston City Council, sponsored by Councilors Lydia Edwards and Ed Flynn, which will provide assistance to older homeowners in Boston. With the passage of this ordinance, the City of Boston will opt into Massachusetts General Law Ch. 60 §62A, which gives municipalities the ability to offer payment agreements to older homeowners who are behind on their tax payments.

"In Boston, we are committed to taking care of everyone who wants to live in our City, including older residents who help make Boston the world-class city it is today. With this ordinance, we're working to further create a supportive city where all residents, regardless of age or ability, can thrive," said Mayor Walsh. "I thank Councilors Edwards, Flynn and the rest of the Boston City Council for their collaboration."

The ordinance will allow property tax payment agreements and interest relief for eligible senior homeowners with low-income in the City struggling to repay their overdue taxes. Payment agreements of up to five years that forgive 50% of the accrued interest will be granted to eligible, low-income seniors in Boston. In order to be eligible, people must meet the requirements for the residential and senior exemptions.

This legislation will also improve the accessibility of tax-related documents by providing residents with details about how to access their property tax information in multiple languages. This effort is being coordinated as part of the City of Boston's Office of Language and Communication Access citywide implementation plan.

"As a city, it's critical we take every step possible to keep our elders housed and to support Bostonians in building and retaining wealth over generations," said Councilor Edwards. "This ordinance is a win-win, helping economically vulnerable taxpayers keep their homes while meeting tax obligations to the city. I appreciate the partnership of the Mayor, city staff and my colleagues on the council in crafting this ordinance and I look forward to its signing."

"It is great to work with the Walsh Administration to provide more tools for our elderly residents and increase accessibility for non-English speaking Bostonians." said co-sponsor Ed Flynn, District 2 City Councilor, "Tax bills can be intimidating and this ordinance will make things easier for the taxpayers of Boston. I look forward to having this ordinance signed into law."

This ordinance continues to build on Boston's age-friendly work. Including its work to support senior homeowners. In 2016, Mayor Walsh announced an extension of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Abatement program. The tax work-off abatement law allows a city or town to establish a program giving property owners 60 years or older the opportunity to volunteer services to their city or town in exchange for a reduction in property tax.

Across Boston, the Age-Friendly Boston initiative was launched in 2014 when Mayor Walsh joined the network of the World Health Organization age-friendly cities through AARP, the United States affiliate. In May of 2017, the City of Boston's Commission on Affairs of the Elderly released the Age-Friendly Action Plan, a comprehensive plan with 75 action items to create an environment where older adults continue to lead healthy and productive lives in Boston.

Source: Mayor's Press Office

Councilor Edwards Calls Hearing to Help Bostonians Repay Back Taxes

Boston can increase flexibility around property taxes to benefit seniors and other low-income homeowners 

Councilor Lydia Edwards this week called a hearing to ensure the City of Boston uses every tool at its disposal to ensure taxpayers can stay in their home during times of economic difficulty. 

Today, seniors and low-income homeowners who are “house rich, cash poor” face a big hurdle when they fall behind on property taxes. Although the city offers payment plans for back taxes, these plans require a substantial down payment and must be completed within one year. Homeowners who cannot repay back taxes within one year are at risk of foreclosure.

Councilor Edwards is pushing for Boston to expand the length of tax repayment and forgive a portion of interest on back taxes. State law allows municipalities to extend repayment of property taxes from one year to as long as five years and to forgive up to half the interest on back taxes. Adopting these provisions would reduce burdens on homeowners and allow more residents to stay in their homes. 

“As city agencies work to stabilize our communities and address the many housing and economic challenges we face, we should use all tools at our disposal to prevent crisis scenarios before they start,” said Councilor Edwards. “Offering another tool to seniors and low-income homeowners on repayment of late taxes is one simple step we could take to prevent foreclosures and allow residents facing economic challenges to stay in place.”

"Today, too many elderly and low income Boston residents face increasing property tax bills that they cannot afford," said Todd S. Kaplan, Senior Attorney of Greater Boston Legal Services. "By offering these residents more flexible payment plans to pay their back taxes with the opportunity to reduce accrued interest, we can help homeowners get current on their taxes and take real steps to ensuring Boston is a city for people of all ages and income levels."

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