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Tax Relief Programs

State of Connecticut Elderly and Totally Disabled Homeowners Program

Anyone who is over age 65 by December 31 or 100% disabled through social security and owns real estate in the Town of Stratford as of the grand list date (October 1) may be eligible for the State Homeowners program. This program is income based and applicants must file an application with the Assessor’s Office biannually between February 1st and May 15th.

Income Limits:

Please contact the Assessor’s Office at 203-385-4025 for the current income limits.

Application Process:

You will need to bring a copy of your most current tax return along with your social security 1099. If you do not file a tax return you will need to bring all your year-end income statements (these are the documents you usually bring to your Accountant). For example, if you are filing an application in 2022 you will need proof of your income for the 2021 year. Applicants under the age of 65 who have been deemed 100% disabled must also bring their TPQY from Social Security.

Exemption Amounts:

This program is based on a sliding scale according to income and marital status. You can receive a minimum tax credit of $150 to $1,000. This credit is applied to your total tax due thus reducing the amount of your tax bill.

State of CT Links
Q&A Booklet

Local Homeowners Program

Anyone who is over age 65 by December 31 or 100% disabled through social security and owns real estate in the Town of Stratford as of the grand list date (October 1) may be eligible for the Local Homeowners program. This program is income based and applicants must file an application biannually. Applications will be accepted at the Assessor’s Office beginning February 1st ending May 15th.

Income Limits:

Application Process:

Exemption Amounts:

Applicants for the Local Homeowners program must choose one of the two different exemption options: the Tax Credit option or the Town Deferral option.

The Tax Credit option – The exemption amount for this option is based on a sliding scale according to income and marital status. You can receive a minimum tax credit of $140 to $500. This credit will be increased annually by 75% of your total tax increase. i.e. if your taxes increase by $100, $75 of this will be added to your current credit, provided you meet the income requirements. This credit is applied to your total tax due thus reducing the amount of your tax bill. This option does not require reimbursement to the Town of Stratford by the applicant.

The Town Deferral option – This option allows the property owner to defer payment of 75% of the total tax due. Upon sale, transfer or death this portion will become due and payable plus interest. For further information regarding the Local Homeowners Program please contact the Assessor’s Office at 203-385-4025.

Link to town ordinances and charter

State of Connecticut Renters Rebate Program

Anyone who is over age 65 by December 31 or 100% disabled through Social Security and rents or leases property in the Town of Stratford may be eligible for this program. Applicants must be a resident at time of application. The applicant must not exceed the State income limits.

Income Limits:

Please contact the Assessor’s Office at 203-385-4025 for the current income limits.

Application Process:

Applications must be filed annually between May 15 and September 15. Applications will be accepted at the Assessor’s Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays only from 8:30am to 11:30am beginning May 15th to September 15th. You will need to bring a copy of your most current tax return along with your social security 1099. If you do not file a tax return you will need to bring all of your year-end statements (these are the documents you usually bring to your accountant). You will also need to bring copies of the past 12 months of rent receipts for the previous calendar year and copies of the past 12 months of utility bills (water, electric, gas and oil) for the previous calendar year. Applicants under the age of 65 who have been deemed 100% disabled must also bring their TPQY from Social Security.

Exemption Amount:

This program is based on a sliding scale according to income and martial status. You can receive a credit of $50 to $900. You will receive a check from the State of Connecticut. The check typically arrives in December of the application year. All questions regarding payments should be directed to the Office of Policy and Management.