Residential Tax Exemption

Residential Tax Exemption – Community Review and Information

The Town of Great Barrington is exploring the Residential Tax Exemption as part of a broader, thoughtful review of local property tax policy. 

This exemption, which is authorized under Massachusetts law and used by 21 communities across the Commonwealth, allows municipalities to shift a portion of the property tax levy in a way that may provide relief to year-round residential property owners.

At this stage, no decisions have been made. The Town is in an information-gathering and evaluation phase focused on understanding how the Residential Tax Exemption works in practice, what impacts it has had in other communities, and what considerations should be weighed locally.

This webpage will serve as a central resource for residents and interested parties to learn more about:

• The Residential Tax Exemption and how it functions under state law

• The Town’s review process and timeline

• Presentations made to the Select Board

• Data, background materials, and peer community insights

• Opportunities for public engagement and input

As part of this effort, the Town is also gathering feedback from other Massachusetts communities that have already implemented the exemption to better understand real-world lessons learned—both positive and challenging. That information, along with public input and financial analysis, will help inform future discussion by the Select Board.

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The Select Board held an introductory meeting on January 26th to begin dialog on this option. 

Click here or the image below to view the slides from that presentation provided by Town Assessor Emily Schilling

This page will be updated as materials become available and as the process moves forward.