By Bob Katzen
House 25-132, rejected an amendment that would authorize cities and towns to conduct a municipal tax amnesty program over a two-month period, as determined by the local legislative body, any time prior to June 30, 2027. It specifically authorizes communities to waive any or all penalties, fees, charges and accrued interest if the original overdue tax assessment is paid in full.
“This proposal would clear the way for the first municipal tax amnesty since 2003,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “I filed this as a flexible local option for cities and towns to generate additional revenues by giving residents an incentive to pay their overdue property and excise taxes. This amnesty program would not only help communities but also would benefit individuals who have outstanding tax liabilities so they can wipe the slate clean by settling their original debt.”
Rep. Adrian Madaro (D-East Boston) opposed the amendment and said there is uncertainty in the budget writing process that we’re dealing with given the recent events in Washington, D.C. He said that the House drafted a budget taking into account current municipal collections in order to develop local aid and apportionments. He noted that adopting this measure right now may undermine those efforts and require the House to reassess how much local aid will be needed to ensure cities and towns have the resources they need again, at a time when we don’t know what holes will need to be plugged at the federal level.
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. Christine Barber No Rep. Mike Connolly No Rep. Paul Donato No Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven No