Tax Aid Committee

Purpose and Committee Composition

The purpose of the Tax Aid Committee is to assist in the implementation of M.G.L. Chapter 60, Section 3D, the elderly and disabled taxation fund program. This program allows taxpayers to voluntarily donate an amount of money in conjunction with their municipal or motor vehicle excise tax bills, or through donation, toward a fund for the purpose of defraying the real estate taxes of elderly and/or disabled Dunstable residents of low income. The donations are deposited into a special account in the Town's treasury and distributed according to the eligibility criteria developed by the Committee.

The five-member board consists of the Chair of the Board of Assessors or designee, the Town Treasurer or designee, and three citizens appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The Committee meets as required to review applications. Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following Committee approval. Contributions are collected through voluntary donations made by Dunstable residents, businesses and community groups. The amount of relief available is dependent on the amount available in fund, and the number of eligible applicants. Applications are due by February 2^nd, annually.

Eligibility Requirements

• Aged 65 or over as of the date of the Application, OR are Disabled, and currently receiving benefits from a state or federal agency and

• Dunstable resident for 5 years or more, and reside and hold title to (or life estate) on the Dunstable property for which tax relief is sought, and
• Meets the Low Income requirement (“low income”):For purposes of determining whether Seniors and/or Disabled residents are considered “low income,” reference will be made to the then-current Community Preservation Act (CPA) table which may be found at www.communitypreservation.org/income-limits
  • Seniors will be evaluated using the Dunstable “moderate-income” figures
  • Non seniors will be evaluated using the Dunstable “low-income” figures.

Application and Awards

• Applications are due no later than February 2^nd, annually.
• All applications are confidential and reviewed within executive session. 
• Tax aid grants are awarded yearly and applied directly to residents' property tax bills, based upon the applicant's eligibility as evaluated by the five-member committee, whose determination is final.