Massachusetts Begins Tax Rebates for Millions of Residents

Massachusetts taxpayers are set to receive rebates starting today, with approximately 3 million residents expected to benefit from the initiative. The rebates stem from an old state law designed to limit annual revenue, which was triggered earlier this year. Payments will be distributed between now and December 15, 2023, following the filing of 2021 tax returns.

Officials indicate that those eligible for the rebates will likely see a deposit labeled “MASTTAXRFD” in their bank accounts if they opted for direct deposit. For others, checks will be mailed out. The state plans to issue around 500,000 payments this week, with an additional million expected in the following weeks. Most taxpayers should receive their rebates by the end of the month.

For individuals who have not yet filed their 2021 tax returns, there is still an opportunity to receive a refund. Taxpayers can submit their returns until September 15, 2023, and if eligible, they should expect a refund approximately one month after filing. Notably, there is no cap on the rebate amounts, meaning that wealthier individuals will receive larger refunds. For instance, a taxpayer with an income of $35,000 could receive about $200, while those earning over $1 million might see rebates exceeding $7,000.

In addition to the tax rebate announcement, Massachusetts has implemented a new statewide ban on disposing of mattresses and textiles, including clothing and shoes. This regulation took effect today and aims to reduce landfill waste. Officials have noted that they will not typically impose fines for individual violations, opting instead to provide resources to help residents comply with the new rules.

The ban also addresses commercial food waste, highlighting the state’s broader environmental initiatives. These measures include the use of anaerobic digesters, which serve as a landfill alternative to help manage organic waste effectively.

In a related development, authorities have identified Ruth Marie Terry as the woman whose remains were discovered nearly 50 years ago on a Provincetown beach. Terry, originally from Tennessee, was the oldest unidentified murder victim in the state, having been 37 years old at the time of her death. While officials have not yet identified her killer, they hope that revealing her identity may lead to new investigative leads.

As residents prepare for the upcoming election, Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s office has reminded voters that the deadline to drop off ballots in person is 5 p.m. today. Voters are encouraged to ensure their ballots are submitted on time ahead of the election day next Tuesday.

These updates reflect significant changes impacting Massachusetts residents, from financial relief through tax rebates to new environmental regulations and ongoing efforts in criminal investigations.