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Tax Exemptions and Abatements

Through an exemption, the City releases you from paying part or all of your property taxes. An abatement is a reduction in your taxes. We have information related to exemptions and abatements in the City of Boston.

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Types of Exemptions

Through an exemption, the City releases you from paying part or all of your property taxes.

We have general information about filing for exemptions through the button link below, as well as details about specific programs in this section.

Filing for an exemption

Blind Exemption 37A

Learn more about how to apply for a 37A Blind exemption.
Co-op Housing Exemption

Learn more about how to apply for a co-op housing exemption.
Elderly Exemption 41C

Learn more about how to apply for a 41C elderly exemption.
Hardship Exemption Clause 18

Learn more about how to apply for a hardship exemption.
National Guard Exemption

Learn more about how to apply for a National Guard exemption.
Residential Exemption

Learn more about how to apply for a residential exemption.
Statutory Exemption

Statutory exemptions are for religious, charitable, benevolent, educational, literary, temperance, or scientific...
Surviving Spouse, Minor Child of Deceased Parent, Elderly Exemption 17D

Learn more about how to apply for a 17D exemption.
Veterans Exemption 22

Learn more about how to apply for a veteran exemption.

Fiscal Year 2024 Abatement Period

Property owners can file an abatement application if they believe their property is:

  • overvalued
  • disproportionately assessed
  • improperly classified, or
  • eligible for a statutory exemption.

Applications may be filed after the third-quarter bills are issued in late December 2023. The Fiscal Year 2024 abatement application filing deadline was February 1, 2024.

Abatement applications will be available online starting January 1, 2024, through the Assessing Online tool. To download an application, search for and find your property, then click the "Details" link:

 

Assessing Online screenshot with the "details" link

 

A link to the application will be under the "Abatements/Exemptions" section.

For more information on what's possible with Assessing Online, visit our explainer page. We also have details on how to get an abatement application either in-person or by mail.

Abatement information

Abatement information
How to File an Excise Tax Abatement

You can only file an abatement application for boat or motor vehicle excise taxes for specific reasons.
How to File for a Personal Property Tax Abatement

To file a personal property abatement application, you need to meet certain requirements.
How to File for a Real Estate Tax Abatement

You can file an abatement application if you meet certain requirements. You have the option to file the application by mail...

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