How Does Tewksbury's New Senior Citizen Tax Abatement Work?

Question: How does the new Senior Volunteer Tax Abatement work and how much money can we save?

Answer: At the recent Annual Town Meeting, Tewksbury voters approved $25,000 for the establishment a fund that will allow senior citizens to save several hundred dollars a year on their property tax bill.

To participate in the program, a Tewksbury Senior Citizen would need volunteer time working for the town.

According to volunteer opportunities will be available in every town department, including the schools. Seniors will have the chance to choose the job they want on as first come, first served basis.

"We’ll send something out the departments and get a list of their needs, job descriptions," said Montuori. "Seniors will be able to choose their job, what fits them."

Senior Citizens would be credited at minimum hourly wage for the time they volunteer and that amount would be credited to their property tax bill. According to Montuori, residents can earn an abatement of up to $750 each year.

There are some limitations. To qualify, a resident must be at least 60 years old. The program begins July 1 and once the $25,000 fund is exhausted, residents will have to wait until next year to participate.

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