The Cape Cod and Islands Association of REALTORS® penned a letter of support for H.4082, an amendment to a local tax credit for septic system repairs.

This reform would make the Title 5 tax credit refundable, meaning that Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket homeowners would receive the full $18,000 credit available regardless of the amount of income tax they pay.

Currently, homeowners can receive $18,000 with a maximum credit claimed in any single tax year of $4,000 to use for repairs or replacements of failed cesspool or septic systems or connections to a municipal sewer system.

The H.4082 amendment would ensure that even those who owe little to no income tax to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts could still receive the full $18,000 tax credit.

Nitrogen pollution caused by sewer systems and wastewater poses a threat to Cape Cod communities, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, which labeled 14 Cape Cod towns as “Nitrogen Sensitive Areas” in 2023.

“Nitrogen pollution is one of the most serious issues facing our communities, and it is an expensive problem to solve,” CCIAOR CEO Betsy Hanson said. “We are proud to support [Rep. David] Vieira’s bill that ensures all homeowners in our region will receive the same financial assistance to offset the cost of critical wastewater management upgrades needed to clean up our waterways.”