As a veteran or currently active duty military residing in Sterling, you are eligible for several exemption programs under the Connecticut General Statutes. In order to receive the basic exemption, the first step is to file a long-form DD214 in the town clerk’s office. If you do not have a copy, one can be requested at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/. The basic reduction in the assessment with the exemption under §12-81(19) and §12-81g is $3,000.
You may be eligible for an exemption under §12-81(20) of the Connecticut General Statute, applicable to veterans with disabilities. The disability need not be service-related. The degree of disability, as determined by the Veteran’s Administration, must be at least 10%. The exemption increases as the percent disability rises. If you are eligible, you will need a disability rating slip or letter from the United States Veterans’ Administration. The documentation must specify the percentage of disability. You are only required to file it with the assessor once; if the VA changes your disability percentage, you will have to file the proof with the assessor again.
Under §12-81g, you may be eligible for the Additional Veterans exemption, an income-based exemption program. You may be eligible if you are single and have a 2014 household income of less than $34,600, or if you are married and the household income is less than $42,200. The application period is February 1 – October 1.
If you are active duty military, one vehicle can be exempt from taxation if the proper form is filed. For CT residents with a motor vehicle in Connecticut, you file under CGS 12-81(53) and file Application for CT Residents. For non-CT residents with motor vehicles located in Connecticut, you file under the Federal Service Members Civil Relief Act and file Federal Soldiers and Sailors.
Unless otherwise specified, exemptions are applied to real estate. If you rent, the exemption will be applied to your motor vehicle.
Please review the forms on the Assessor’s page or if you have any questions, please call 860-564-3030.
More Information
- State of Connecticut Veteran Services – Web Site
- Q & A Booklet – Totally Disabled + Veteran Tax Relief – Totally Disabled and Veteran Tax Relief Programs (pdf)
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