A growing number of Cape towns have adopted, or are in the process of adopting, residential tax exemptions for year-round residents. This taxing option was enacted in 1979. Falmouth is now weighing the idea, as the town looks for ways to offset rising property values and tax burdens on people who live in town full-time in lower- and moderately priced homes.

The exemption reduces the taxable value of a homeowner’s primary residence by no more than 35% of the average residential property value in that town.

Only residents who declare their Falmouth home as their primary residence would qualify. Seasonal homeowners and landlords who do not occupy their property as their main residence are not eligible. Commercial property would not be impacted or considered in this framework.

The exemption

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