Recently, at Northborough Town Meeting held on May 1, Article 38 was not approved. This Article would have allowed for a full property tax exemption for certain Gold Star parents. Gold Star parents are those who have lost a child in the line of duty.
The Article’s intention was to support bereaved military families. It specified that as part of the BRAVE Act, parents would qualify for this tax exemption if they resided in Massachusetts for five consecutive years and lost a child in the military while in combat.
Residents voting at town meeting had concerns and questions, and ultimately did not approve this Article this year.
However, Northborough will continue to offer a $400 tax exemption under M.G.L. ch. 59, s.5, clause 22 for the following persons:
- Gold Star mothers and fathers;
- 10% (or more) service-connected disabled veteran;
- Purple Heart recipient;
- Spouse of veteran entitled under Clause 22;
- Surviving spouses who do not remarry.
Widows currently receive the full property tax exemption. Families who may qualify for this exemption should contact the town’s tax assessor’s office at 508-393-5007.