GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — With the Greenfield Senior Tax Work-Off program accepting applications now, the city is announcing changes to the program. The work period has doubled this year from five to ten months beginning in January of 2025. And the application process has been streamlined to make it more accessible. To apply, seniors 60 or older can apply at the Jon Zon Community Center Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm through Monday September 30th.
From the City of Greenfield:
Senior Tax Work-Off Program Sign-Up Now Open
GREENFIELD – The City of Greenfield will begin accepting applications for the Senior Tax Work-Off Program on Tuesday, September 3.
To apply, please stop in the John Zon Community Center during business hours, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, to pick up an application packet. The application deadline is Monday, September 30.
Seniors accepted into the program receive a reduction in their real estate tax bill by “working off” the equivalent hours based on the current minimum wage in Massachusetts. Seniors must be age 60 or older at the time of applying.
There are several significant changes to know regarding the Senior Tax Work-Off Program. They are as follows:
· The work period has been extended from five months to ten months. Work may occur from January 2, 2025, through October 31, 2025.
· The application process has been streamlined. Interested parties will fill out a shorter, three-page application. After participants are determined, they will then complete the full application packet.
If more than 20 applications are received, there will be a lottery to equitably determine participants.
“Senior Tax Work-Off Program is an excellent way for our age 60+ homeowners to earn up to $2,000 off of their real estate taxes by using their skills and abilities to support a City of Greenfield department,” said Council on Aging Director Hope Macary.
“The Senior Tax Work-Off Program is invaluable to the city and our senior community,” said Mayor Virginia “Ginny” Desorgher. “I look forward to welcoming the participants who will make a positive difference daily in assisting with city operations.”
In addition, the Upper Pioneer Valley District Veterans’ Services Office offers a similar tax work-off program for the veteran community. Veterans can sign up to earn a $1,000 reimbursement by working 66.67 hours at a city office position. The veterans’ services office will help place applicants in a city office that fits the applicant’s skills.
To apply, please stop in the Upper Pioneer Valley District Veterans’ Services Office during business hours, Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM, to pick up an application packet. The application deadline remains Monday, September 30.
Here are the rules of eligibility and requirements:
· Senior must not be receiving a tax work-off discount in another city or town.
· Senior must have lived in Massachusetts for the previous ten years and must have owned and occupied real estate in Greenfield for the previous five years.
· Seniors apply for acceptance into the program annually. One senior per household may participate.
· CORI and SORI background checks are required for job placement.
· Senior must be the owner of the property as of July 1 of the current fiscal year.
· Hourly rate credited and maximum “earnings” are subject to change per year. The senior will receive a W-2 form for federal income tax filing. Earnings are taxable in some circumstances. Consult with your financial advisor.
· The STWO Program participant is not considered an employee of the City of Greenfield.
· The Council on Aging reviews applications and makes job placement recommendations to City departments. Seniors must have identifiable employable skills that match a City department’s needs.