This spring, seniors can again apply to work off a portion from their town property taxes. This year, the program allows for a reduction of $1,000 or $1,500 in exchange for “volunteer” service hours. As usual, preference will be given to those with annual household incomes less than $45K.*
Positions are assigned annually. So, if you were granted a position last year, you still have to reapply for it this year.
To nab a spot, you’ll want to start getting your paperwork in order before the application window opens. There are only 30 positions and qualified applicants are selected on a first-come, first-served basis.*
Applications are now available. Completed forms must be submitted in person to the Southborough Senior Center. The window for that opens on Tuesday, April 3rd at 8:30 am. The window “closes” two weeks later, so that qualified applicants can begin to work. But if there are remaining open spots, others may continue to apply.
This popular program matches qualified seniors with work projects in town departments. In return for their service, seniors earn a property tax credit. Seniors must be age 60 or older and be willing to commit 91 or 136 hours of service within the year. The applicant must be a Southborough resident, a homeowner or spouse of a homeowner, and own and occupy the property to which the tax credit will be applied.
In past years seniors have worked at the Senior Center, Library, Assessor’s Office, Town Clerk’s Office, DPW, and in the schools. Work ranges from data entry to organizing the Swap Shop to helping out in school classrooms, and more. They will also try to match seniors’ area of expertise with appropriate departments. More details about that and the application process are in the form’s cover sheets.
Click here to open the information and application. Or you can pick up a packet at the Senior Center or the Assessor’s Office.
*If there are less than 30 applicants, the income requirement is waived. If there are more applicants, applicants with household incomes under $45K will be accepted in the order applications are received. Any remaining slots will be filled by applicants above the $ threshold, in the order received.
