The ongoing Tax Work-off Program administered by the Council on Aging has an exciting new change. At last spring’s town meeting the town voted to increase the benefit for Tax Work-off volunteers. The program allows persons 60 and over, who have lived in Medfield for a minimum of three years, who own a home with the deed in their name (or whose home is in a trust and they are the beneficiary of the trust), to receive a reduction in their real estate tax obligations. The amount was increased to $1,000 in exchange for volunteering 91 hours in various town departments. Some specifics to the program:
• Hours will need to be completed by October 19, 2018 (subject to change)
• Reimbursement will be the same as last year.
• The senior will not receive a paycheck but will receive a W-2.
• The so-called paycheck will be made payable to the town.
• The senior’s real estate tax account will be credited for the $1,000, less the OBRA (7.5% of gross wages) and the Medicare (1.45% of gross wages) tax.
• The W-2 will show the $1,000 in income and the OBRA and Medicare tax. Participants will need the W-2 to submit with their tax forms. The (OBRA) deduction is in lieu of a social security deduction and is mandatory. You can file to get this money returned to you only if you do not intend to participate again.
• The town Treasurer cannot establish and terminate OBRA accounts multiple times.
• Those who filled out the tax forms last year will not need to fill out the paperwork again.
• New applicants will be required to fill out the forms in order to participate in the program.
The Senior Tax Work-off program has been successful in many ways, making it a win-win situation for the seniors, the department, and the town by:
• Offering seniors the chance to reduce their tax obligation in a time when taxes continue to go up.
• Reducing workloads within many town departments because they are staffed with skilled, dependable senior volunteers.
• Allowing seniors the chance to put their skills to good use.
• Assisting some seniors with opportunities for socialization and a sense of purpose.
Applications are available and should be returned to the COA by Thursday, November 30. If applications exceed the 65-person limit, a lottery will be held during the December 6 monthly COA meeting, held at 11:00 a.m. at The Center. This is an open meeting and all applicants are invited to attend. Any questions regarding this program can be directed to Susan Bernstein at (508-359-3665).
