Applications for the new residential tax exemption are available at the Concord Free Library and other locations. Photo by Celeste Katz Marston

Applications for residential tax exemption due April 1 

March 1, 2024

Homeowners who haven’t actively applied for Concord’s new residential exemption by April 1 will be out of luck on the tax break.  

By vote of the Select Board, everyone who owned a Concord home or condo and occupied it as their primary residence as of January 1, 2023, is eligible for the break. Residents who qualify are eligible to receive nearly $1,900 off their fiscal year 2024 tax bill. 

But it doesn’t happen automatically.  

If they haven’t already, homeowners must fill out a town application and provide supporting documents, including the first page of their 2022 tax return — and the final cutoff is coming up fast. 

Here’s a quick recap of how to get the break.  

Complete an application.  

You can download a form from concordma.gov. If you need a hard copy — or help filling one out — visit: 

  • The assessor’s office, 24 Court Lane. 
  • The treasurer’s office, Town House, 22 Monument Square. 
  • The Council on Aging, Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main Street. 

Gather your supporting documents.  

Make a copy of just the first page of your 2022 federal tax return. Black out or cover your personal information, such as your Social Security number and income. Once the tax form is redacted, a viewer should only see your name, street address, and the title and year of the tax form (such as Form 1040).  

If your home is held in a trust, include a copy of the page of the trust document that shows you’re a trustee or beneficiary or have a life estate in the property.  

If you weren’t required to file federal taxes in 2022, write a short note explaining that — and provide copies of two of these documents:  

  • Both sides of your driver’s license;   
  • Your motor vehicle registration;   
  • Your gun permit;   
  • The redacted first page of your 2021 federal tax return or   
  • Another 2022 federal form showing your home address. 

If your 2022 return shows a P.O. box as your address, include a copy of one of those identifying documents, such as a copy of a car registration, showing your street address. 

Commercial and rental properties aren’t eligible.  

Ready to send in your application and documents?  

Mail your completed application and copies of the supporting materials by April 1 to the Assessor’s Office at 24 Court Lane, Concord MA 01742 or drop it off there in person. You can also email everything to assessing@concordma.gov.  

Homeowners who’ve already applied for the break — 3,398 as of Monday, per the assessing division — should not apply again. 

Those who have already applied and received the exemption will see that reflected on their tax bill: Under “tax summary,” look for an entry for third and/or fourth quarter deductions. Dollar amounts in parentheses have already been deducted from your taxes.