New Bedford Property Taxes Are Rising, But More Seniors Can Now Save $1,000

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The City of New Bedford is trying to help even more seniors save on their expected property taxes after the qualifying age for a $1,000 exemption was lowered from 70 to 65.

There are certain guidelines that the taxpayer must meet to qualify for the exemption, but with property taxes expected to rise as New Bedford was forced to contend with a $32 million deficit heading into budget season, the lowering of the age qualification should allow for more seniors to apply and qualify.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts reimburses the City for about half the cost of the exemption, according to a City release.

New Bedford Senior Tax Exemption Eligibility Requirements

The requirements for the $1,000 tax exemption are:

• You must be a New Bedford resident age 65 or older as of July 1, 2026
• You must have owned and occupied the home for at least the last five years
• Gross income for the calendar year 2025 cannot exceed $27,648.31 for a single person, or $31,905.67 if married
• With the Social Security deduction, the gross income limit becomes $33,795.31 if single or $41,126.67 if married
• The limit on the value of your whole estate (excluding the value of the property you live in) is $59,552.68 if single and $63,806.17 if married. Whole estate includes the value of any additional owned property, bank accounts, IRA/annuities, and any other stocks/bonds or assets owned.

Ward 3 Councilor Shawn Oliver was the one who proposed the change.

“When Councilor Oliver brought this matter to the attention of the city council, we immediately took action,” City Council President Ryan Pereira said. “This directly helps some of the most vulnerable residents of our city and gives them some much-needed relief in these difficult times.”

The council then approved the change in June. Mayor Jon Mitchell also supported the measure.

“This change will put money back in the pocket of residents who need it the most,” Mitchell said. “With half of the cost coming back to the City, and more people working past 65, we can provide this relief to residents in need without straining the City budget.”

How to Apply for Property Tax Relief at City Hall

Applications are available at the Assessor’s Office in City Hall or on the City’s website. You will need the following documents (and one for each person if married):

• Birth certificate or passport for all new applicants
• 2025 income tax return for all new applicants, and a copy of trust (if applicable)
• Documentation regarding gross income and estate value

A list of all the documents needed can be found on the City website.

Additional Tax Exemptions for Seniors, Veterans, and Blind Residents

There are other property tax exemptions as well. Residents who are at least 70 years old by July 1, 2026 can receive a $417 exemption if they have owned and occupied their home for any five years, and if their assets (excluding the value of their home) do not exceed $85,074.90.

For more information on senior property tax exemptions, or others for veterans, widows, people who are legally blind and others, visit the Assessor’s Office webpage or call the office at (508) 979-1440.