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HD 4729

An Act providing for a municipal tax amnesty

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Chaisson and 19 co-sponsors

Massachusetts tax amnesty bill allows delinquent local taxpayers to settle municipal tax debts with reduced penalties and interest to increase collection and provide compliance relief.

Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Revenue
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Bill Summary · HD 4729

Legislative bill overview

HD 4729 establishes a municipal tax amnesty program in Massachusetts, allowing taxpayers to settle outstanding local tax debts with reduced penalties and interest. The bill aims to increase revenue collection while providing relief to taxpayers with delinquent municipal taxes (property taxes, excise taxes, water/sewer fees, etc.).

Why is this important

Municipalities across Massachusetts struggle with uncollected tax revenue, which affects funding for schools, infrastructure, and services. A tax amnesty program can recover revenue that might otherwise go uncollected while offering taxpayers a path to compliance without severe financial penalties. This is particularly significant for property owners facing hardship who may have accumulated substantial debt.

Potential points of contention

  • Fairness concerns: Taxpayers who paid their taxes on time may resent that delinquent taxpayers receive penalty reductions, raising equity questions
  • Revenue impact uncertainty: The actual revenue generated depends on participation rates and amnesty discount levels—overly generous terms could reduce net collection
  • Implementation details: The bill lacks specifics on amnesty duration, discount percentages, eligible tax types, and whether it applies to all municipalities or voluntarily participating ones, creating administrative uncertainty

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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