Recently I discovered, through my AARP magazine, that there are several states who have “work-off” programs where senior citizens, who own property, can work to offset some of those property taxes. Naturally, having never heard of this type of program, I was curious, did a little research and this is what I found. . .
Here’s a few examples of “work-off” programs: There’s a county in South Carolina where, for just a few hours a week, seniors sixty and older, can trade time and skills performing light duty work, usually for the county, in exchange for a small financial reduction in their property tax. The compensation would be minimum wage and applied to what the homeowners County tax would be. Or in the city of Aiken, again, people sixty and older who live in the city, could work for different city departments. They would accrue an amount based on the current minimum wage and apply it to their city property taxes.
In Massachusetts, where many cities and towns have established these “work-off” programs, seniors have acknowledged not only the financial help but also the benefit of getting out and being around other people for a few hours. There are two programs, one is available to homeowners sixty and older, the other is available to any Veteran property owner. Those who qualify are able to lower their tax bill by up to $1,500, volunteering in their communities.
Colorado’s Larimer County, has similar “work-off” programs for senior homeowners who can be compensated up to $500 in exchange for work.
Kittery Maine, has a $750 cap on their “work-off” program, however, 220 participants saved a total of $105,427 in 2022. Property owners must be sixty or older, with only one applicant per household, per year. Compensation (based on minimum wage) is applied directly to the property tax.
In the school district of Avon Grove, Pennsylvania, residents who own property, are sixty and older, can volunteer in the districts schools. They must have put in fifty hours by the end of the school year which earns them a $650 property tax rebate. Volunteers assist in the school offices, libraries and cafeterias.
So far, the following states have some form of this program; Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington state. Texas will be next to participate.
How about New Hampshire?