Tax Deferral and Exemption Study Committee - TDES - Charge - January 2023

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RECEIVED TOWN CLERK Tax Deferral and Exemption Study Committee LEXINGTON MA Members: Five Quorum: Quorum shall be a majority of the members serving Appointed By: Select Board Length of Term: 3 years with staggered membership terms Appointments: Annually—September Liaisons: Board of Assessors, Council on Aging, Commission on Disability, Appropriation Committee Staff: Assistant Town Manager for Finance or designee Meeting Times: Quarterly or as needed Criteria for Membership: Citizens with an interest in property tax equity issues Description: The Tax Deferral and Exemption Study Committee is charged to review and recommend to the Select Board options for the deferral or exemption of local property taxes under existing state law, or by home rule petition for a special act of the state legislature, that might enhance or make accessible the property tax relief currently available to elderly, low- income, disabled or otherwise deserving residents. Options for consideration include, but are not limited to: o Adjusting the terms of tax deferrals available to senior citizens under G.L. c. 59, 5, Clause 41A; o Adjusting the terms of tax exemptions available to senior citizens under G.L. c. 59, 5, Clause 41C; o Publicizing the Massachusetts Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Program, and; o Adopting other provisions for exemptions or other forms of tax relief that are now, or may become, available understate law. o Providing input to the Select Board and other committees when property tax issues are being examined. Special Project Work: The Tax Deferral and Exemption Study Committee will be asked to coordinate with interested groups and Town Departments to outreach to target populations, to market existing programs and services.