Exemptions

Information Regarding Real Estate Tax Exemptions

An exemption is a reduction of property taxes for residents who meet certain qualifications. The various exemptions offered by Hanover through the State of Massachusetts are the disabled veteran's exemption, legally blind exemption, surviving spouse, and minor child of a deceased parent exemption, and the senior exemptions. If the property is in a trust, the owner must be a trustee and have a significant beneficial interest in the trust.

Qualifying for an Exemption

Each of the available exemptions has various requirements that need to be met to qualify for the exemption. The Board of Assessors reviews application packets and votes annually on each application submitted to approve or deny them based on the criteria for the specific exemption.

All exemption applications can be filed after July 1, up to the deadline of April 1. Late filings can not be approved. 

Application

Please complete all sections of the application.  Use zeros or write N/A if non-applicable.

  • Veterans must submit their VA letter with the percentage of disability and DD-214 Discharge Form (first-time applicants) or 100% disability yearly.
  • 41C41A, and CPA applicants must submit a tax return. If a tax return is not filed, the applicant must submit all end-of-year income statements and complete a 4506T Form. A 4506T request for a Transcript of the tax return will need to be signed and submitted to the IRS.  
  • Income and asset-based
    • Single - Max income: $24,911; Max assets: $40,000; Exemption: $1500.
    • Married - Max income: $37,367; Max assets: $55,000; Exemption: $1500.
  • 17D applicants do not need to complete the income/gross receipts portion of the application; asset-based: $40,000 max; $350 exempt
  • Applicants for Blind Exemptions must provide a copy of their Certificate of Blindness, a $437.50 exempt.
  • All exemption applications require a bank form to be completed by bank personnel (Veterans and CPA applicants are excepted).
  • First-time applicants need to provide a birth certificate.
  • Motor vehicle values can be found on your excise bill.

Application Deadlines

  • Exemption applications will be accepted after July 1st and are due no later than April 1st.
  • To streamline the exemption process and avoid applications not being filed on time, the Board of Assessors would appreciate you returning the completed application by October 1st. Please fill in zeros where nothing is reported.
  • Applications returned by October 1st and signed by the board of assessors should result in you seeing the exemption reflected on the 3rd and 4th quarter tax bills.
  • Applications that are not filled out completely will be returned.

If applications are not received by October 1st, you may not see the exemption reflected on your 3rd and 4th quarter bills; however, you could subtract half the exemption amount off of the 3rd and 4th quarters, as in the past. The CPA exemption would still be subtracted from the 4th quarter.

As always, don't hesitate to contact the Assessor's office with any questions.

    Contact Information

    Please feel free to contact the Assessing Office if you have any questions or need assistance in completing the forms. Please call 781-826-6401, or send an email message to assessing@hanover-ma.gov.