RESIDENTIAL EXEMPTION
(Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 59 § 5c)
FISCAL YEAR 2022

PURPOSE: The purpose of the residential exemption is to reduce property taxes for year-round residents, particularly those with modest homes.

DEFINITION: The residential exemption is a dollar amount of value that is exempt from taxation. It requires an annual decision of the Board of Selectmen after a public hearing.

For example, if the residential exemption were $30,000, a home with an assessed value of $150,000 would be taxed on $120,000 of value. This exemption value, when multiplied by the residential tax rate, represents the dollar amount of the exemption.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: For fiscal year 2022, a taxpayer that owns residential property in Tisbury, which was their principle residence on January 1, 2022 may apply for a residential exemption. A principle residence is one in which the taxpayer lives and which is used as a permanent, year-round home and legal domicile. Although it is the Selectmen who decide whether or not Tisbury will have the exemption, it is the Board of Assessors’ responsibility to administer it. The Board of Assessors must be convinced that the taxpayer was domiciled as of January 1, 2022, at the address for which the residential exemption is being claimed.

FILING DATES: The residential exemption will be reflected on the Fiscal Year 2022 actual tax bill. Property owners who do not receive a credit on this bill and believe they may be entitled to the exemption must file an application for this exemption with the Assessors Office on or before April 1, 2022.

HOW TO APPLY: Complete and submit an Application for Residential Exemption (State Tax Form 128-5C) on or before April 1st. This form is available in the Assessors Office, Tisbury Town Hall 51 Spring Street. The Assessors office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M.

NOTE: The burden of proof is on the taxpayer regarding establishment of place of domicile. All documents must be in the Assessors Office by the legal deadline, or the Board of Assessors, by law, must deny the exemption application.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED:
Complete signed copies of both Federal & Massachusetts (full year resident) Tax Returns for year 2021* Income figures and social security numbers may be blacked out.

Mass Driver's License of at least one owner showing street residence as of 1/1/21

Registration of at least one vehicle garaged at street residence as of 1/1/21.

Must be listed as a resident on the Town Clerk’s census as of 1/1/21.

Copy of fiscal year 2022 actual Real Estate tax bill.