Moore to host senior tax rebate program informational session in Webster

BOSTON – Sen. Richard R. Moore, D-Uxbridge, will host an informational session on the Senior Circuit Breaker tax rebate program at the Webster Senior Center next Wednesday, March 13th, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The Senior Circuit Breaker is a tax credit for seniors whose property payments exceed 10 percent of their annual income. Eligible seniors will receive a dollar credit on their state tax return for every dollar that their total property tax, water and sewer bills exceed the 10 percent figure. The maximum credit is $1,000.

“During these difficult economic times, seniors, particularly those on fixed incomes, are among the groups that are the hardest hit,” stated Sen. Moore. “I’m looking forward to teaming up with senior centers and councils on aging across my district to spread the word about this helpful state benefit.”

The Senior Circuit Breaker program is open to taxpayers 65 years old or older who own or rent their residence in Massachusetts and have an annual income of: $53,000 or less for a single filer; $67,000 or less for a head of household; and $80,000 or less for joint filers. If a taxpayer’s property is assessed at $705,000 or less, he or she is not eligible.

If taxpayers have not claimed the credit in the past, they can claim it for the last three years.

Sen. Moore noted that seniors must file a tax return in order to claim the Senior Circuit Breaker benefit. Many senior centers have partnered with local tax preparers in order to assist seniors with filing these forms. Tax aides will be on hand.

For more information about Sen. Moore and his efforts to assist senior citizens, visit www.senatormoore.com, or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/senatormoore.