Tax Exemptions
What Types of Exemptions Does the Town of Fairhaven Offer?
A variety of exemptions are available to reduce property tax obligations for certain qualifying taxpayers: elderly persons, blind persons, disabled veterans, surviving spouse or orphaned minor child, widow or orphaned minor of police officer or fire fighter, and extreme hardship.
The qualifying date is July 1, the first day of the fiscal year. Actual tax bills (3rd quarter) are mailed at the end of the calendar year, due February 1. The Application deadline for filing for an exemption is April 1 (three months after actual bill is mailed).
Because of the number and complexity of exemptions, a list of qualifications is posted on this site. This list is intended only to give you a general idea of what is available. If you have the slightest suspicion you may be eligible or have any questions, call the Assessors' Office to discuss details! Certain exemption applications will require a copy of the tax forms filed in the last calendar year, or a statement indicating that the applicant(s) does not file tax forms. The number of owners of the property also falls into the review of qualification, which may mean non-eligibility of the exemption, a pro-rated exemption, or a full exemption.
An additional qualification for most exemptions is the ownership and occupancy of the property. In most cases, the applicant must have owned and occupied the real estate property in Massachusetts for five years (and owned and occupied the present property on July 1 in the year of the application) and Massachusetts must have been the applicant's place of domicile for the preceding ten years.
The Tax Deferral Program:
Many retired homeowners feel "house-rich and income-poor". Property taxes constitute a serious financial burden which can even force the sale of the home. Fairhaven offers a Tax Deferral Program which enables owners to defer payment of up to 100% of annual property taxes. Deferred taxes accumulate, with simple interest at 8%, as a lien on the property until it is sold or the owner(s) has deceased. Applicants must be 65 on July 1, with a maximum income of $40,000. If you are interested, please contact the Assessors' Office.
Attention: Owners of Property In Trust
Trust ownership arrangements may affect qualification for statutory exemption. As a general rule, an applicant must be a trustee and a beneficiary or have a life estate established in the property and submit:
- A copy of a recorded trust instrument, including amendments.
- A copy of the schedule of beneficiaries.
Consult your attorney if these requirements affect you.
Exemption Requirements
Fiscal Year
| Clause 41C | $500.00 |
| Elderly | Age 70 by July 1, of calander year Own and occupy Real Estate - 5 years |
| Income | Single Person - $13,000 Married Persons - $15,000 |
*Note: Includes income from all sources: wages, social security, pensions, interest, dividends, annuities, rent, etc.
| Assets | Single Person - $28,000 Married Persons - $30,000 |
*Note: Assets include bank accounts, checking accounts, stocks, bonds, IRA's, 401K's, annuities, saving-certificates, motor vehicles, boats, real estate, etc. (Value of domicile including up to 3 units dwelling is exempt.)
Proof must be shown for income received in previous fiscal year, W-2, 1099-INT., 1099-DIV., Bankbooks, showing status as of July 1, of calander year etc.
| Clause 17D | $175.00 |
| Surviving spouse and persons over 70 who are not eligible for Clause 41C | |
| Clause 42 | Full Exemption |
| Survivng spouse or minor of fire fighter/police officer killed in the line of duty |
(July 1 is the qualifying date.)
| Income: | Not Considered |
| Assets: | May not exceed $40,000 |
| *Note: | See assets for Clause 41C. |
| Difference: | Balance as of July 1 must be provided. |
Veterans:
| Clause 22 | 10% Service Connected Disability or Purple Heart | $ 400.00 |
| Clause 22A | Loss of Use - Service Connected | $ 750.00 |
| Clause 22C | Disabled with Adapted Housing | $1,500.00 |
| Clause 22D | Surviving Spouse of Veteran that died as a result of service connected disability | Full Exemption |
Clause 22E | 100% Service Connected Disability | $1,000.00 |
| Clause 22H | Gold Star Parents: Guardians of Service member died in Active Duty | Full Exemption |
Blind:
| Clause 37A | Registered with Division of the Blind | $500.00 |
Fiscal Year Qualifications
Clause 41C - 70 Years Old by July 1, of calander year
Information needed:
- First time applicants: Birth Certificate.
- Previous FY Social Security Earnings.
- Pensions received.
- All bank books, checking accounts, savings, certificates, stocks and bonds, etc. with July 1 balance. ALL ASSETS ARE NEEDED.
- Interest and Dividends earned in previous FY.
- Other earned income, rents, etc.
Clause 17D - Surviving Spouse, Person over 70, Minor
Information Needed:
- Death Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Assets as listed in #4 above as of July 1
For Your Information
Social Security Office
53 North Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Telephone: (508) 999-3101
Division of the Blind - Boston
88 Kingston Street
Boston, MA 02111
Telephone: (800) 392-6450 - Speak the name Karen Butler.
New Bedford Telephone: (508) 993-6140