Press Release: 7/21/2026
Age Limit for Senior Tax Exemption Lowered to 65
Applications at City Hall, Online for Seniors Who Meet Income Guidelines
NEW BEDFORD – More New Bedford seniors who meet income guidelines will be eligible for a $1,000 property tax exemption after the qualifying age was recently lowered from 70 to 65.
Mayor Jon Mitchell supported the change, which was approved by the City Council last month. The state reimburses the City for about half of the cost of the exemption.
“This change will put money back in the pocket of residents who need it the most,” Mayor 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.”
“When Councillor 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.”
New Bedford residents who are 65 or older as of July 1, 2026 and have owned and occupied their home for at least the last five years may be eligible for the $1,000 tax exemption if they meet the following income qualifications:
- Gross income for calendar year 2025 cannot exceed $27,648.31 if single 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.
Applications are available at the Assessor’s Office in City Hall or online here. The following documents are required as part of the process, and will be needed by both individuals if applying as married: Birth certificate or passport for all new applicants, 2025 income tax returns for all new applicants, and a copy of trust (if applicable). Applicants are also required to provide documentation regarding their gross income and estate value. Examples include 1099 forms for social security or pensions, bank account statements and more. A list of all the documents needed can be found here.
The City also offers a senior property tax exemption for residents who are at least 70 by July 1, 2026. The $417 exemption is available to residents who have owned and occupied their home for any five years and whose 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 page or call the office at 508-979-1440.
*Published July 20, 2026