Press Release: 2025-03-12 00:00:00

Ahead of Tax Filing Deadline, Governor Healey Promotes Savings for Families Under Expanded Child Tax Credit

 

Massachusetts taxpayers can learn more about the ways Governor Healey lowered their taxes at Mass.gov/TaxCuts 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

3/11/2025

MEDIA CONTACT

Karissa Hand, Press Secretary

 Phone

Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025

SPRINGFIELD — As Massachusetts residents are filing their taxes ahead of the April 15 deadline, Governor Maura Healey is raising awareness of the money that Massachusetts families will save on their returns this year because of the tax cuts package she signed in 2023. 

“We know that the number one challenge facing the people of Massachusetts is the high cost of living. That’s why we cut taxes for the first time in 20 years – and we did it in our first year in office,” said Governor Healey. “Because of the strong partnership between our team and the Legislature to deliver these tax cuts, Massachusetts families, businesses, seniors and renters are all saving more money, including benefiting from the most generous Child and Family Tax Credit in the nation. And there's no additional paperwork required – every eligible Massachusetts taxpayer will automatically get more money back when they file their taxes this year.”

“Massachusetts residents might not even realize that they are paying less in taxes because we passed this tax cuts package,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This means more money back in your pockets to use for groceries, energy bills, medicine or gas. We encourage everyone to visit mass.gov/taxcuts to learn more about how you are saving – and don’t forget to file your taxes!” 

“The House understands that affordability is a top concern for residents across Massachusetts, which is why the sweeping tax relief bill that we passed last session was so important. That legislation cut taxes for residents of all income levels and for businesses that are based in Massachusetts, one of several bills from last session that was designed to make the Commonwealth more affordable and more competitive,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House, and to our partners in the Senate and in the Healey-Driscoll Administration, for their continued focus on tackling the significant affordability challenges that continue to face residents here in Massachusetts.”

"The Senate was thrilled to pass the largest tax cut in a generation in partnership with the House and the Healey Administration last session,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The tax relief bill was packed with meaningful savings for families, homeowners, renters, older residents and others, and it will make a difference when residents file their taxes this year. Together with our investments in early education and care, housing, and small businesses—and making community college free for all—this tax relief is part of the Senate’s commitment to lowering costs for residents and expanding opportunities for everyone.”

“This is good news and we are happy to help share it with our community, especially as we are in the midst of tax filing season. I deeply appreciate the support and leadership from Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll on signing this historic tax package that includes relief and savings for our residents and families, including updates to the Child & Family Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit that will benefit hundreds of thousands of families,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “We will also continue to work diligently on the city level to continue to provide tax relief while also being mindful of our credit and bond rating, and debt services, and while also maintaining vital core city services for our neighborhoods. I am proud of my administration’s efforts in providing much-needed tax relief for our residents. From our targeted tax relief initiative, working with the City Council on tax relief for our Veterans as part of the local option of the HERO Act signed by Governor Healey, utilizing the interest from our investment in the T-Bonds, and all of the existing tax relief programs, there are now multiple means for homeowners to seek tax relief and we want to be sure our residents are aware of these options.”

The Governor visited Educare Springfield, a child care center that serves young children and their families with a full-day, year-round program, to highlight the expanded Child and Family Tax Credit, which is now the most generous in the nation. Governor Healey increased the benefit from $180 per dependent child, adult with disabilities or senior to $440 and lifted the two-dependent cap. This means that a family with three children will now receive $1,320 back each year, compared to just $360 two years ago.

"Our mission is to give young families the foundation they need to be successful — academically, physically, socially, and financially,” Dawn DiStefano, President & CEO, Square One. “It starts with providing a safe, healthy, nurturing environment for children to learn and grow, while their parents are at work. Adding in supports like workforce development, emergency diapers, food, and guidance on issues like tax credits and other financial supports, works to position our young families for long-term success in every way."

Governor Healey’s tax cuts package included a number of other provisions to make life more affordable for Massachusetts families, seniors, renters, businesses and more. She doubled the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit so that senior homeowners will receive an extra $1,200 back each year and increased the Earned Income Tax Credit from 30 percent to 40 percent of the federal credit. 

Massachusetts residents can visit mass.gov/taxcuts to learn more about the credits and deductions available to them. Information about free tax assistance available through local community action agencies and non-profit partners is also available at findyourfunds.org.  

Statements of Support

Joe Diamond, Executive Director, Massachusetts Association for Community Action

“The expanded Massachusetts EITC and Child and Family Tax Credits are powerful antipoverty tools that help thousands of working people across the state become economically stable and mobile. We commend the Governor’s leadership, in partnership with the Legislature, in making Massachusetts a leader in tax fairness through these tax credits and other policies. Community Action Agencies and other nonprofits are busy now working with taxpayers to access these tax credits as part of a comprehensive approach to assistance for people living with low incomes.

Angela Divaris, Senior Attorney, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, Greater Boston Legal Services

"Massachusetts' offers powerful refundable tax credits that fight poverty, working alongside federal tax credits for elders, families, and children.  We applaud Gov. Healey for getting the word out and encouraging residents to file their returns for these valuable credits."  

Charlotte Bruce, Director of Policy, Children's HealthWatch and leader of the Healthy Families Tax Credits Coalition

"The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child and Family Tax Credit are proven tools for lifting children out of poverty and improving child and family health. Their recent expansion means more money for more families — offering essential relief as costs of living remain high. But these benefits can only be felt if families claim them. New resources from the Administration and advocates, like FindYourFunds.org and the IRS' Direct File, make it easier than ever for families to access free filing help and secure the refunds they're owed."