By Carol Britton Meyer

Hull’s senior homeowners have the opportunity to reduce their property tax bills through a program that gives them a tax credit for community-service hours.

The purpose of Hull’s senior tax work off program is to provide qualifying low- to moderate-income older citizens with an opportunity to use their skills and knowledge to provide a service to the town in exchange for a partial reduction in their property tax burden.

The program is currently limited to 12 participants, with no more than one tax credit – which is offered in lieu of wages – granted to each family per calendar year.

“When homeowners contact me, I forward them information about the program, and we chat about opportunities that are currently available,” Hull Council on Aging Director Lisa Thornton told The Hull Times. “Property tax work-off programs provide one more way to help our community’s senior citizens to ‘age in place’ and have more economic security.”

Public notice about the program – established in 2013 – is given prior to the beginning of each year in time for the Council on Aging to review applications, verify eligibility, and match applicants’ skills with town department needs.

“A proxy can do the work for someone who physically cannot work,” Thornton said.

Seniors 60 and older who meet the eligibility requirements – including income – must perform 100 hours to qualify for the maximum tax credit of $1,000 a year per family. Fewer hours worked will amount to a lower credit.

Another eligibility requirement is that residents or their spouses must own the property and occupy it as their principal residence, in addition to producing a copy of their current real estate tax bill upon applying.

“Most tasks are not strenuous and typically involve light duties, such as office work (computers and typing), serving as a receptionist, and senior center activities such as helping with events and the lunch cafe,” according to Thornton.

If a home is owned by a trust, the resident wishing to participate in the program must have legal title.

Applicants are required to complete and sign an application and a volunteer services contract.

For details and an application, call the senior center, 781-925-1239, ext. 205.

For more information on other property tax breaks available to senior citizens and veterans, visit www.town.hull.ma.us/assessors/pages/2026-senior-tax-exemption.

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