The Town of Watertown will accept applications from seniors looking to work off the some of their property tax bill. See information distributed by the Town about how to qualify and to apply below.
Dear Resident,
This program allows for up to ten Watertown residents: Seniors (age 60 and older) or Veterans, a $1,500 deduction from their property tax bill in exchange for 118 hours of work for a Town department, from July 1, 2020 until March 1, 2021. (Based on $12.75 per hour State minimum wage for all positions.)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Town departments are continuing to determine what types of positions would be available for this year, and the program may be modified or canceled at any time, but please apply now if you are interested and we will work to identify an appropriate position for you should you qualify. At this time, there is immediate need for work with the Town Clerk’s office for the upcoming Elections and with various Town departments for shredding and administrative work.
To qualify for consideration, applicants must complete the application (click here) and be:
• A Retired Senior age 60 or older, OR
• A Veteran as defined in M.G.L. clause forty-third of section 7 of chapter 4.
• Own and occupy the property for which the taxes are deducted.
• Have skills that match those needed by the participating Town departments. Past projects have included: computer data entry, answering phones, administrative tasks, and special projects in various Town departments.
• Preference is given to individuals whose annual income is 300% of the 2020 Federal Poverty level or less ($37,470 for single, $50,730 for married couple), AND who are new to the program, and then other applicants will be considered if slots are available.
• Copies of most recent income tax return(s) are requested to verify income.
• Once selected to participate, applicants will be sent additional forms to complete and be requested to provide identification, and complete a CORI form.
Please note that the amount of the property tax reduction earned under this program is NOT considered income or wages for purposes of the STATE
income tax withholding, unemployment compensation or workmen’s compensation; however, under current federal law the amount IS INCLUDED in the taxpayer’s gross income for Federal Income Tax.
Please complete the application and return to the Senior Center at 31 Marshall Street for consideration.
Call the Senior Center at (617) 972-6490 with any questions, or speak with Watertown’s Veterans Services Officer Patrick George at (617) 972-6416. Thank you.
For the application, click here.