Apply now for Southborough’s Taxation Aid for Seniors and the Disabled (or donate to the fund)

This month, eligible residents can apply for relief from Southborough taxes. The application window for the annual opportunity is through the end of February.

The application has some specific eligibility requirements that I’ll share below. However, the application also allows exceptions to be made:

The Committee reserve it’s right to determine unusual cases and if documented and by unanimous vote may allow for applications outside the stated limits.

In normal circumstances, to be eligible you must meet all three requirements below:

a. You must own and currently occupy your residence in Southborough for 5 or more consecutive years;

b. You or your spouse must be minimum 65 years of age
     OR you have a “state-recognized disability.”

c. Income cannot exceed $30,000 per individual; $60,000 for total household per year;

All information provided will be held in strict confidence by the Committee except for Audit purposes.

Recipients are only eligible to receive one award per fiscal year. The amount of the award is capped at $2,500, but based an FAQ by the Taxation Aid Committee, I’d expect it to be lower. In FY20 recipients were granted $750 and $1,000 in FY21. Granted awards will be credited directly to the real estate tax account.

You can find more details in their FAQ. For the application click here. For more information you may call the Treasurer/Collector Brian Ballantine at (508) 485-0710 x3009.

If you aren’t eligible, and you aren’t in need, you may want to consider supporting the program. Last year, the Taxation Aid Committee promoted: 

The Senior and Disabled Taxation Fund exists to alleviate the property tax burden for Southborough’s senior and disabled citizens and is funded 100% by donations. The fund is administered by the Taxation Aid Committee, comprised of the Southborough Finance Director, the Chair of the Board of Assessors, and three Southborough residents appointed by the Board of Selectmen. . .

Please consider making a donation to the to help your friends and neighbors! . . .

The fund depends entirely on voluntary contributions and you may contribute to this fund by checking the box on the back of your property tax bill and adding your contribution to your property tax bill. Donations cannot be less than $1.00 and are tax deductible. Your contributions will continue to support the most vulnerable members of our community in the years ahead. Thank you for your consideration.

You can donate here. You can learn more about the committee here.