Town of Kingston, MA

Clause 18:  Financial Hardship

Own As Of July 1 - Must own the property as of July 1st.

Domicile - Property must be applicant’s domicile.

Requirements – Unable to pay taxes due to :

                         a. Age     b.  Infirmity and    c.  Poverty (All three are required.)

          Documentation of Financial Hardship – Social Security income verification

                                                             - Receipts of medical bills, etc.

                                                             - Verification of age and work history

Filing Date – You must file with local Assessors every fall.  Deadline for filing an exemption is 3 months after the actual bills are mailed (file by March 31).

Other Qualifications - In the opinion of the Board of Assessors, if the applicant is unable to contribute fully towards their taxes.

Multiple Owners - If there are multiple owners of the property and one files for an exemption, the applicant could still receive the total exemption amount the Board of Assessors vote.

Property In Trust - When a property is held in trust with multiple trustees, only the applicant, not the co-trustees, must meet the requirements for the exemption. The applicant MUST be both a trustee and a beneficiary to qualify for the exemption.

Amount Exempted - Any or all of the taxes may be exempted.