Patrick Budget Eliminates 44 Tax Deductions

While specific deductions would end, personal exemptions would double under the Patrick budget.

A recent analysis of Gov. Deval Patrick's proposed budget finds that it eliminates 44 tax breaks that benefit a large slice of Massachusetts taxpayers. Patrick's $34.8 billion FY2014 budget includes not only a 1 percentage point hike in the income tax – from 5.25 percent to 6.25 percent – but the end of such deductions such as the capital gains from the sale of a person's primary home, college tuition, and contributions to a health savings account. The analysis, by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, found that the eliminations would raise an additional $1 billion for the commonwealth. But Patrick's assistant secretary for fiscal policy, Gregory R. Mennis, told The Republican that that amount would be offset by the doubling of personal…

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Property Tax Payment Due Friday, but Town Hall is Closed

Plymouth property owners must pay their first quarter tax bill by Friday, Feb. 1, but Town Hall is closed Fridays, so make sure to pay it early.

Town Hall has been closed every Friday for the past two-plus years, not without controversy. The money-saving move has had its detractors and its supporters, but it has led to some inconveniences for Plymouth residents. This Friday, Feb. 1, is the deadline for Plymouth property owners to pay their first quarter tax bills. State law requires the town to maintain the Feb. 1 due date, and the town is encouraging property owners to make payments early to avoid late charges and penalties. Friday is also the deadline to file a tax abatement with the Assessors' Office, but since Town Hall is closed, you must file by Thursday. The deadline to file a tax abatement with the Plymouth Assessors' Office is Feb. 1. The assessors office says applications…

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Casey Meserve

4:40 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013

Thanks Vivian!   more ›

How to Dispute Your Property Tax Bill

Property tax abatement applications must be filed by Feb. 1 with the assessors' office.

If you have good reason to believe your new tax assessment is too high, you still have time to lodge your dispute with the town. The deadline to file a tax abatement with the Plymouth Assessors' Office is Feb. 1. The assessors office says applications must be filed either via U.S. Postal Service or hand delivered to the office. The form itself can be found online here or at the assessors office at Town Hall. Petitions are heard by the Board of Assessors, which meets monthly in the assessors office. Since Town Hall is closed Fridays, make sure to get your abatement in before Friday, Feb. 1. Taxes are also due Feb. 1.

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You Pick: The Best Place to Get Your Taxes Done...At the Last Minute

April 17 is coming fast, where do you go for your taxes?

April 17 is coming quick, and your tax information is still there, scattered across your desk. What do you do? Where do you go? There are plenty of options here in Plymouth, from CPAs to national chains. Vote in our poll below, then share your thoughts in the comments section. If we left your favorite mechanic off the list, note that in the comments as well. We'll leave the poll up all week then close voting at 9 a.m. Friday. At noon that day, we'll share your top local pick. Because this poll is not scientific, it is not the sole consideration in choosing a winner. The winner will be determined by the Patch editor, based on poll results and reviews in the Directory. Voting results posted in real time shall not be deemed official until …

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Today in Plymouth

Five Things You Need to Know Today: March 15

"Beware the Ides of March."

1. Don't forget to vote for your favorite place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in our "Best of Plymouth" poll today. 2. Plymouth resident Debra Betz will announce her candicacy for state representative the 12th Plymouth District tonight at Royal Garden in Kingston at 6:30 p.m. 3.  If you are on active duty or a veteran of the military, Liberty Tax Service, at  16 Samoset St., across from Papa Gino’s, will prepare and file your taxes free,  through March 17. There are no hidden charges. Call Liberty at 774-773-9152 with questions. 4. Lots and lots of St. Patrick's Day events happening this weekend. Check the events calendar for them or click here. 5. Learn about the benefits of claiming your business's listing on Patch.

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December Tax Bills Will Include $600 Average Increase

The completion of the new Plymouth North High School means that the $40 million bill will come due soon.

VIDEO: How will the Federal Debt Crisis Affect Plymouth?

Town officials and businessmen in Plymouth weigh in on the local impact of the Federal debt.

How will the federal debt crisis affect Plymouth?

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Town Meeting Already?

Selectmen begin the process of studying and endorsing Town Meeting articles for the spring.

The board considered and unanimously endorsed eight routine articles for Annual Town Meeeting. Article 12 would keep in place the Town Promotion Fund. Since 1993, the town has devoted 45 percent of the hotel/motel tax it collects to the fund. Last year the town increased the tax from 4 to 6 percent and collected $917,127. By state law, the fund must use 10 percent of its holdings for infrastructure improvements. The town has a contract with Destination Plymouth for promotion of the town as a destination. It costs $165,000. The fund pays $36,791 for operation of the information center on Water Street. The remaining money, $169,646, will pay for events and marketing. Article 20 would extend the so-called Mullen Rule to the Conservation …

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