Needham Sen. Denise Garlick to Host Seminar on Senior Tax Credit Program

Sen. Denise Garlick will join fellow legislators next week for an informational seminar on the Senior Circuit Breaker tax credit. 

The seminar will be held at the Stephen Palmer Senior Center on Monday, Feb. 25 at 11:30 a.m.

Garlick will be joined by Senators Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) and Michael F. Rush (D-West Roxbury) and Brian Lynch of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

"This seminar is one of the many ways we demonstrate that seniors are valuable members of our community," said Representative Garlick in a press release.

The Senior Circuit Breaker is open to seniors (65 and older) whose property payments exceed 10 percent of their annual income. Eligible seniors receive a credit on their state tax return for every dollar their total property tax, sewer and water bills exceed 10 percent of their income.

“This successful tax credit program is available to many of our seniors to take advantage of,” said Senator Rush in the release.  “This credit can relieve some of the burdens of expensive property taxes and I encourage everyone to attend the seminar to learn firsthand the benefits of the program.”

Seniors can receive up to $1,000 in credit and, if the senior has not claimed the tax credit in the past, s/he can apply and claim the credit for the previous three years.

For more information, read the full press release issued below:

Senator Ross, Senator Rush and Representative Garlick Announce Needham Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Seminar

Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham), Senator Michael F. Rush (D-West Roxbury) and Representative Denise C. Garlick (D-Needham) are pleased to announce an informational seminar on the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit will be held at the Council on Aging in Needham on February 25, 2013 at 11:30AM. They will be joined by Brian Lynch of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

“The Senior Circuit Breaker is an excellent program that delivers much-needed relief for Massachusetts residents,” said Senator Ross. “This informational session offers a chance for local seniors to learn how they can take advantage of that savings.”

“This successful tax credit program is available to many of our seniors to take advantage of,” said Senator Rush.  “This credit can relieve some of the burdens of expensive property taxes and I encourage everyone to attend the seminar to learn firsthand the benefits of the program.”

"This seminar is one of the many ways we demonstrate that seniors are valuable members of our community," said Representative Garlick.

The Senior Circuit Breaker is a tax credit for senior citizens whose property payments exceed 10% of their annual income. Eligible seniors will receive a dollar credit on their Massachusetts tax return for every dollar that their total property tax, water and sewer bills exceed 10% of their income. A maximum $1000 credit is available. Additionally, if the taxpayer hasn’t claimed the tax credit in the past, (s) he may claim it for the previous three years.

To be eligible, taxpayers, 65 years or older, must own or rent their residence in Massachusetts and have an annual income of: $53,000 or less for a single filer; $67,000 or less for a head of household; and $80,000 or less for joint filers. If a taxpayer’s property is assessed at $705,000 or less, (s) he is not eligible for the tax credit.

In 2011, the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit provided over $67 million in tax credits to more than 85,000 eligible taxpayers.

Please contact the office of Senator Ross with any questions or concerns at (617) 722-1555 orRichard.Ross@masenate.gov.