Hopkinton Tax Relief Committee Seeks Donations, Applications for Grants

The Hopkinton Tax Relief Committee wants to inform Town residents that applications for assistance from the Hopkinton Senior and Disabled Tax Relief Fund are now available, and that the deadline for applications for Senior and Disabled Tax Relief is March 1, 2023. Applications are available at the Treasurer’s Office in Town Hall, the Senior Center, the Library, and on the Town website. The Treasurer will mail an application to anyone who calls (508) 497-9715 to request the form.

The Tax Relief Fund provides qualifying seniors and individuals with disabilities with financial support to help with the payment of their property taxes. The Fund is supported completely by donations; with no financial support from the Town budget. In recent years, donations have allowed for a total $10,000 to $20,000 in property tax relief credits to Hopkinton homeowners in need. Each year, the total amount of the awards is based on the amount of donations made to the fund. Generous donors have made it possible for the Committee to make over 100 awards in the last five years.

For the coming cycle, applicants must be at least 60 years old or have a state-recognized disability, must own and occupy a Hopkinton single-family home as their primary residence, and must have an income below $60,000 if married, and below $45,000 if single or widowed.

According to Committee Chair Sue Kurys: “Donations to theTax Relief Fund help make our town more affordable for some of the most vulnerable residents in the community. Town tax bills include a request for voluntary donations to the Fund, but many people have their property taxes paid by a mortgage company and don’t have a convenient opportunity to send a donation. We really appreciate the people who take the time to mail in a check or make an online donation.”

Town Manager Norman Khumalo said: “This Committee works to connect caring citizens and groups who can afford to contribute, to directly help Hopkinton families in need. This reflects the best aspect of our community.”

Select Board Chair Amy Ritterbush adds: “The citizens of Hopkinton have been very generous in voting for provisions to support low income seniors and disabled residents. Inflation is really impacting some of our lower income families, and contributions to the Tax Relief Fund are one way that civic groups, businesses, or concerned individuals can help low income seniors and households coping with disability remain in our community.”

The Committee will be reviewing applications in March and making awards based on the number of qualified applicants and the amount of funds available.