What is Proposition 2½?

Proposition 2½ is a title given to an initiative petition adopted by voters of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1980.

Its principal features are related to the total amount of property taxes that a city or town can raise each year. Other parts of the initiative, however, limited state agency assessments on cities and towns, prohibited unfunded state mandates and repealed school committees, and binding arbitration for certain public employees.

In addition, it reduced the motor vehicle excise tax and allowed renters a deduction on their state income tax.

Show All Answers

1. What is Proposition 2½?
2. Does Proposition 2½ mean that my taxes cannot increase more than 2½% per year?
3. How does Proposition 2½ limit property taxes?
4. How does Proposition 2½ affect my individual tax bill?
5. What is the Classification Amendment and how does it work with Proposition 2½?
6. Does Proposition 2½ allow increases in the tax levy?
7. What are the relationship of property values and the tax rate?