Exemption Information

An exemption is a release from the obligation of having to pay taxes on all or part of a parcel of real property. Personal exemptions are a deduction in taxes due to a particular personal circumstance and qualifications set forth in the Massachusetts General Laws. The burden is on the applicant to show that he or she falls within the expressed terms of the exemption provision.  Exemptions are granted for one year only and an application must be filed to receive the exemption each year.

Details of personal exemption types and corresponding applications are listed below the summary chart.

Chart summary FY26

Seniors

  1. Senior Exemption Information (PDF)
  2. Senior Exemption Application (PDF)

Veterans  (and surviving spouses)

  1. Veterans Exemption Information (PDF)
  2. Veterans Exemption Application (PDF)

Blind Persons

  1. Blind Person Exemption Information (PDF)
  2. Blind Person Exemption Application (PDF)

Widow(er)s, Surviving Minor Children

  1. Surviving Spouse-Minor Child Exemption Information (PDF)
  2. Surviving Spouse-Minor Child Exemption Application (PDF)

CPA Exemption

  1. Community Preservation Act Exemption Income Limits and Guidelines (PDF)
  2. CPA Exemption Application (PDF)

Hardship Exemption

Charitable Exemptions

Not for profit organizations that own property in Southborough, such as hospitals, schools and religious or cultural institutions, may qualify for an exemption from local taxes on real and personal property.

  1. 3ABC Policy
  2. Form 1B3 - for first-time 3ABC applicants
  3. Form 3 ABC Application (Clause 3 Charitable Property Tax Exemption)


A Tax Deferral may also be a tax relief option for residents.  

It is NOT an exemption in taxes and is required to be paid back.

Senior Tax Deferral

  1. Senior Tax Deferral Information (PDF)
  2. Senior Tax Deferral Application (PDF)
  3. Senior Tax Deferral and Recovery Agreement (PDF)

Temporary Hardship Tax Deferral

  1. Temporary Hardship Tax Deferral Information
  2. FY26 Financial Hardship Deferral Application