Acton Select Board members were presented with a comprehensive overview of the town's tax relief efforts during their recent meeting on September 8, 2025. The discussion highlighted Acton's significant contribution of nearly $670,000 in tax exemptions for residents, primarily benefiting seniors and disabled veterans.

The presentation compared Acton's tax relief figures with those of neighboring communities, revealing that only Newton and Lexington provided higher totals, largely due to their deferral programs. Notably, Acton’s approach focuses on direct exemptions rather than deferrals, which require repayment.

Key programs discussed included the Circuit Breaker exemption, which offers substantial relief to qualifying seniors, ensuring their property taxes do not exceed 10% of their adjusted gross income. This program has seen an average benefit of around $2,000 per applicant, yet only about 20 residents apply annually, indicating a need for increased outreach to eligible individuals.

Additionally, the meeting introduced a new exemption option passed in 2024, which differs from existing statutory exemptions and aims to further assist residents in need. The board emphasized the importance of raising awareness about these programs, particularly among seniors, to maximize participation and support for the community.

As Acton continues to prioritize tax relief, the board's commitment to enhancing these programs reflects its dedication to supporting vulnerable populations within the town. Future efforts will likely focus on improving outreach and simplifying the application process to ensure that more residents can benefit from available exemptions.