Topsfield Assessor - Exemptions
Exemptions and Tax Deferrals
An exemption is a release or discharge from the obligations to pay all or a portion of a local property tax. Exemptions are established by the legislature for particular categories of property or persons and are generally found in General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5.
Exemptions
Persons who may qualify for personal exemptions include veterans with a service connected disability, blind persons, surviving spouses, minor children of deceased parents and seniors. There are also tax deferrals for seniors and those experiencing a temporary financial hardship.
Qualification Date
Exempt status is determined as of July 1. Ownership, occupancy, use, age or any other eligibility criteria must be met as of that date. Contact the Assessors’ Office regarding eligibility requirements. For additional information regarding exemptions:
- Blind Persons
- Qualifying Senior Citizens
- Qualifying Surviving Spouses, Minor Children and Elderly Persons
- Qualifying Veterans
- Real Estate Tax Deferrals
Annual Filing
Applications for exemptions must be filed each year. The Assessors' office mails out applications to existing qualified applicants. Applications for personal exemptions must be filed in the Assessors' Office within three months of the mailing of the actual (3rd quarter) tax bill (not the preliminary bill). Applications will be mailed upon request or are available from the following links:
- Clause 18 Financial Hardship
- Clause 22 Veterans
- Clause 17D Surviving Spouses, Minor Children & Elderly Persons (Age 70 or older)
- Clause 37A Blind Persons
- Clause 41A Real Estate Tax Deferrals
- Clause 41C Senior Age 65 or older – Must meet Asset and Income Requirements
Amount of Statutory Exemptions
In additional to the amount of the exemption, each year at the annual town meeting, Topsfield votes to increase the exemptions. The exemption amount can be increased up to 100%; however, an applicant cannot pay less than what was paid in the preceding year. Please go to the following link for exemption amounts.
If you have any questions, please contact the Assessors' Office (978-887-1514).
