If you are age 65 or older, you may be eligible to claim a refundable credit on your personal state income tax return. Complete the questions that follow.Personal checks should be made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Homestead Act is Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 188. Persons who may qualify for exemptions and deferrals include disabled veterans, blind persons, surviving spouses, seniors and extreme hardship. For elderly exemption, must have reached the age of 70 prior to July 1 and have owned the property for at least five years. Senior Tax Deferral - Clause 41A. This deferral allows an elderly taxpayer to defer all or a portion of their tax obligation.