Tax Deferrals & Exemptions

The Ipswich Board of Assessors grants tax exemptions on the basis of charitable institutions, disabled veterans, blindness, minors of deceased parents, surviving spouses, and qualified elderly. Deferrals are also available to qualified applicants. The Application for Statutory Exemption (PDF) and the Application to Defer Taxes (PDF), are available at the Assessors Office as well as online.

Veterans

Veterans with a 10% or greater service-connected disability, or surviving spouses, are requested to contact the Veterans Office, at 978-356-6699, for assistance in determining exemption eligibility.

Exemption Eligibility

You may be eligible for an exemption on your real estate taxes assessed on your domicile if you meet the qualifications for 1 of the personal exemptions allowed under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 59, Section 5. For additional information please contact the Assessors Office.

The following exemption categories are under MGL Chapter 59, Section 5:

• U.S. veteran with a service connected disability (Clause 22)
• Surviving spouse of Police Officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty (Clause 42)
• Surviving minor children of Police Officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty (Clause 43)
• Blind (Clause 37A)
• Surviving spouse, minor child of deceased parent, elderly person (Clause 17E)
• Senior citizen age 65 and older (Clause 41C)
• Deferral age 65 and older (Clause 41A)

Applications for Statutory Exemption

Fiscal Year 2024 applications must be filed with the Board of Assessors on or before April 1, 2024. You must apply annually for your exemption and guidelines must be met in order to qualify for the exemption.

Tax Exemption / Deferral Clauses

Please click on a line below for more information regarding each tax exemption or deferral, and requirements:

• Clause 22 Veterans (PDF)
• Clause 42 Surviving Spouse of Police Officer or Firefighter (PDF)
• Clause 43 Surviving Minor Children of Police Officer or Firefighter (PDF)
• Clause 37A Blind Persons (PDF)
• Clause 17E Surviving Spouse, Minor Child or Elderly Person (PDF)
• Clause 41C Elderly Persons (PDF)
• Clause 41A Tax Deferral (PDF)

 Access a quick summary of the Tax Options Table (PDF) that are available.
  
Tax Tips for Seniors and Retirees / Deductions, Exemptions, and 2022 "Circuit Breaker" Tax Credit
The Department of Revenue has created a "Tax Tips" fact sheet to assist Seniors and Retirees in learning more about available Deductions, Exemptions, and the 2023 "Circuit Breaker" Tax Credit. Click here to learn more.