Click here to sign up for city emergency alerts - including community event alerts, Fire Department notifications, law enforcement alerts, general information alerts, and public works notifications

Overview 

The Veteran Tax Work-Off Program is open to a veteran, as defined by MGL Ch. 4 § 7 clause 43, who owns property in and pays real estate taxes to the City of Holyoke. The program participant’s name must appear on the property deed. The program year runs from July 1 to November 30. A $1,500 property tax credit minus the required withholdings will be applied to the participant’s real estate tax bill in the following fiscal year, not the current year’s property tax bill.

Program Requirements

Participants should work the required 100 hours* of service. Hours worked may not be shared with another family member. Each individual must fulfill the total hours of service obligation. However, the City of Holyoke, based on need, may place the participant in more than one (1) job in order to fulfill the total hours. Individuals will be credited for any hours worked even if the 100 hours are not fulfilled.

*To receive the maximum $1,500 tax credit participants must work 100 hours. Working less than 100 hours results in a pro-rated tax credit based on the number of hours worked. 

Compensation

  • $15.00 per hour (as of Jan. 1, 2023)
  • Participants will receive abatement for up to 100 hours of service. Any hours worked beyond the 100 hours cannot be accumulated for the Tax Work-Off Program.
  • Maximum amount of abatement is $1,500 per person per fiscal year.

Job Placement for a Tax Credit Position

  • Individuals will be chosen based on the best match between the applicant’s qualifications and the skill requirements of each job
  • Applicants will be interviewed by the department supervisor of the position for which they have been placed
  • There will be a two (2) week probationary period to assess the appropriateness of the placement
  • Program participants may not work for relatives who are City employees
  • Eligible senior citizens who are veterans can elect to participate in either the veterans’ or Senior citizens’ tax work-off plans.
  • Primary consideration will be given to first-time applicants. Individuals previously chosen for the program may make re-application in subsequent years. No applicant is guaranteed a position. A lottery system may be used if there are more applicants than available positions
  • Timesheets will be filled out by the department supervisor on a weekly or monthly basis and submitted to the Veterans Services Director. A final accounting of time worked will be submitted to the Assessor.

Print Application Here or visit the Veterans' Services Department for a copy.

988
Close window