How to apply for Local Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans (Clause 22 Series)

Who it's for

Massachusetts law provides property-tax exemptions for veterans with service-connected disabilities and certain survivors: $400 (10%+ disability, Purple Heart recipients, Gold Star parents), $750, $1,000 (100% disability), $1,250, $1,500, up to a full exemption for paraplegic veterans or 100% service-connected blindness. Under the HERO Act, towns may double these amounts or tie them to inflation. Apply with the local board of assessors.

What you'll need

• VA rating letter / qualifying award documentation
• Annual application to the local board of assessors

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Confirm that your town has accepted the local property tax exemption under Massachusetts law, since not all towns participate and exemption amounts can vary by municipality.
2. Gather your required documents: your VA rating letter or qualifying award documentation (such as proof of a Purple Heart or Gold Star parent status).
3. Complete the annual application form provided by your local board of assessors.
4. Submit your application to your local board of assessors online through your town's official portal.

What to expect: After submitting, your local board of assessors will review your application and documents to determine whether you qualify and which exemption tier applies to your situation. The exemption amount depends on your disability rating, decorations, or survivor status — and your town may have doubled or inflation-indexed the base amounts under the HERO Act. Processing times vary, so contact your local board of assessors directly for an estimate. Because this exemption must be renewed every year, watch for the next application period and reapply annually to keep your benefit active.

Renewals

annual