Property Tax Relief for Seniors, Veterans and Disabled State of Connecticut Homeowners

State of Connecticut Homeowners Program

Any taxpayer who is 65 years old by the end of the 2021 calendar year or Totally Disabled, owns and occupies a home in the Town of East Haddam and meets certain income guidelines may be eligible for tax relief benefits under the State of Connecticut Homeowners’ Tax Relief Program. Depending upon their income, qualified applicants can receive 10% to 50% off their tax bills. The benefit received is reimbursed by the State of Connecticut to the Town. The income limits for this year are $38,100 for singles and $46,400 for married. Income includes all income (adjusted gross, including rental income, plus Social Security and any other income). You must present proof of income and file between February 1st and May 14th. To continue the program a bi-annual filing must be made.

Town of East Haddam Homeowners Program

In 2009 the Town of East Haddam adopted a local option homeowners’ tax relief program. The guidelines are the same as for the State program except that the income limit is $50,000 per household. Those qualifying for the State program may also apply for the Town program.

Veteran’s Exemption

A veteran is a person who has served in the armed forces. To be eligible for this exemption a veteran must have served during an active period of war for at least 90 days (unless the war, campaign or operation lasted less than 90 days), received an honorable discharge, and has filed his/her discharge (DD214) with the Town Clerk prior to October 1. If you are entitled to a disability pension as determined by the VA, whether you served in an active period of war or not, you are eligible for a disabled veteran’s exemption. You must file your VA disability rating (form 20 5455) with the Assessor.

Additional Veteran’s Exemption

Any veteran who is eligible for the above mentioned exemption, and whose income meets certain guidelines, is eligible for an additional exemption. For the October 2021 Grand List, the income limit for a single veteran is $38,100 and $46,400 for a married veteran. To qualify, the veteran must file between February 1st and October 1st for exemption on the next assessment year’s taxes. Proof of income as described in the State Homeowners Program must be submitted at the time of application. In addition, the original or a certified copy of the veteran’s DD214 must be on file in the Town Clerk’s office by the prior September 30th.

In-Service Exemption

A member of the armed forces who is currently on active duty may be eligible to have one passenger motor vehicle (owned or leased) exempt from property tax. To qualify, the individual must submit a letter each year by December 31st from his/her commanding officer stating that the individual is on active duty and has the vehicle garaged with him/her.

Disability Exemption

An individual who receives a disability pension from the Social Security Administration and has been designated by the S.S.A. is eligible for a $1000 exemption. To qualify one must file a copy of his/her award letter that states disability prior to the completion of the grand list.

If the individual has not been engaged in employment covered by Social Security, he/she must provide proof of eligibility for permanent total disability under any federal, state or local government retirement or disability plan, including the Railroad Retirement Act and any government related teacher retirement plan which contain requirements comparable to those of the Social Security Administration.

Blind Exemptions

Any individual who is legally blind may receive a $3000 exemption. Proof of blindness (certification by a qualified medical practitioner) must be presented to the Assessor prior to October 1st in order for the exemption to be applied to that assessment year’s taxes.

Renters’ Rebate for Low-Income Seniors and Disabled

Senior or disabled low-income renters are eligible for a partial rebate of rent and utility bills, excluding telephone and cable.  Applicants must have turned 65 by the end of 2021 or be Social Security disabled. The filing period is from April 1st to October 1st.  Proof of rent and utilities must be provided at the time of application.