Homeowners to get a break in property tax exemptions

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh last week proposed an increase in the city’s residential property tax exemption, taking quick advantage of a law signed by the governor at the end of last week to save some city residents close to $300 a year.

Walsh’s proposal, filed by City Councilor Mark Ciommo, calls for an increase in city’s residential property tax exemption to 35 percent, the mayor’s office said. The boost in the exemption would reduce the average property tax bill for a owner-occupied single family home by $299 to $3,234, Walsh’s office said.

“Whether they’ve lived here for decades or just moved in, our residents are the foundation to this vibrant and thriving city,” Walsh said in a statement. “We’re happy to let Boston homeowners keep a little more money in their pockets come tax season with this increase in the residential exemption.” Walsh’s proposal was made possible by the passage last week of a bill (H 4717) that increased the maximum residential exemption in Boston.

The bill was filed by Rep. Jay Kaufman of Lexington and Sen. Michael Rodrigues of Wesport, the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Revenue. Gov. Charlie Baker signed the bill into law on Friday. If the City Council green-lights Walsh’s plan, it would be the first increase in the capital city’s property tax exemption since 2000, the mayor’s office said, and the proposed new tax rates would be reflected in third quarter tax bills.

Walsh’s press office said a “historically strong business and real estate climate” in Boston has led to record growth in new tax revenue, with $75.5 million in growth to the city’s tax base due to new construction in the city.


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