Great Barrington Senior Tax Work-off Program Accepting Applicants

Are you a Great Barrington resident 60 or older? Do you have professional skills you can offer to the town—computer or tech abilities, gardening skill, clerical or office talent? By sharing your time and talent with the town for a few hours each week this year, you can earn up to $1,500 off of your real estate taxes in the next fiscal year (FY 2023).

Anyone 60+ can participate regardless of income level, and applications are accepted throughout this work period: September 2021-August 2022. The value of work time, based on the state's minimum wage, is applied to the upcoming year's property tax bill, up to $1,500.

“The great thing about Senior Tax Work-Off is that there are no income or asset limits – anyone can participate,” said Karen Smith, who is herself by participating by coordinating the Senior Tax Work-Off Program. “It can be rewarding and fun to work with the town, to learn about town government and get a tax break in return. It’s win-win--seniors have skills, and the town needs those skills.”

The town is now accepting applications from resident taxpayers 60 and older, and anyone interested in participating (or participating again) may contact Amy Pulver, apulver@townofgb.org. You will be contacted by phone for updates.

The application and accompanying information can be below. Documents are also available at the office of the Town Manager in Town Hall during regular business hours or via email, by contacting Amy Pulver, apulver@townofgb.org.  Completed forms may also be sent by email to Amy Pulver.

Examples of skills/work needed in town include:

• Computer/technology: scanning and archiving, digitize files, data entry
• General clerical: answering phones, filing, taking minutes
• Library shelving, delivering books
• Gardening
• Maintenance

The Senior Real Estate Tax Work-Off Program operates in many towns across the state to assist residents 60+ in offsetting their property tax bills.