Exemptions
| Program Name
|
Due Date - Application Period |
| Veteran’s Exemption
|
September 30th
|
| Disabled Veteran’s Exemption
|
January 31st
|
| Additional Veteran’s Exemption
|
February 1st – September 30th
|
| Blind Exemption
|
January 31st
|
| Disabled Exemption
|
January 31st
|
| Ambulance type vehicle exemption
|
November 1st
|
| Local Option Veteran’s Exemption
|
February 1st – September 30th
|
| Soldiers and Sailor exemption (for vehicles)
|
December 31st
|
Veterans Exemptions
BASIC VETERANS EXEMPTION:
Anyone who has served during one of the state mandated dates of war or military campaigns, or who has a disability rating from the department of veteran’s affairs is eligible for the basic veterans exemption. To review the dates of war or military campaigns please click on the link below.
Dates of Wars and Other Recognized Military Campaigns and Operations
ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY EXEMPTIONS
Application Process:
You will need to bring a copy of your DD214 (honorable discharge paperwork) to the Assessor’s Office for review of qualifying war periods. Once the Assessor’s Office has determined your eligibility you will need to file your DD214 (honorable discharge paperwork) with the Town Clerks Office. Your DD214 must be on file in the Town Clerks Office no later than September 30th in order to receive the exemption for the October 1st Grand List.
You only have to file your discharge papers once. (Unless you move to another municipality.) We do recommend if you change residence within the Town of Stratford you update your information with the Assessor’s office to ensure that the benefit is applied to the correct property.
Exemption Amount:
The basic veterans exemption is 4,500 off of your assessment. Veterans with disabilities are required to file a copy of their disability letter from the Veterans Administration; the amount of the exemption will vary depending on your disability rating.
You can choose to have your benefit applied to your real estate or your motor vehicle. However we recommend that all real estate owners apply the benefit to the home, as this will ensure they receive the full benefit. Also note, if you own more than one property, State Statute require that we apply it to your legal domicile.
STATE ADDITIONAL VETERANS EXEMPTION:
Anyone who is currently receiving the basic veterans exemption may also be eligible for the Local Additional Veterans Exemption. This program is income based.
Income Limits:
Please contact the Tax Assessor's Office for the current income limits.
**Please note that your total income is determined by your adjusted gross income plus the total amount of social security you have received.
Application Process:
Applications must be filed with the Assessor’s Office biannually between February 1st and September 30th. Applications will be accepted at the Assessor’s Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays only from 8:30am to 11:30am beginning February 1st to September 30th.
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 further explanation of the income paperwork required please contact the Assessor’s Office at 203-385-4025.
Exemption Amount:
This program will double the exemption amount you are currently receiving through the basic veteran exemption program. For example, if you are currently receiving a 4,500 exemption off of your assessment it will be increased to a 9,000 exemption off of your assessment.
LOCAL ADDITIONAL VETERANS EXEMPTION:
Anyone who is currently receiving the basic veterans exemption may also be eligible for the Local Additional Veterans Exemption. This program is income based.
Income Limits:
Please contact the Tax Assessor's Office for the current income limits.
**Please note that your total income is determined by your adjusted gross income plus the total amount of social security you have received.
Application Process:
Applications must be filed with the Assessor’s Office biannually between February 1st and September 30th. Applications will be accepted at the Assessor’s Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays only from 8:30am to 11:30am beginning February 1st to September 30th.
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 further explanation of the income paperwork required please contact the Assessor’s Office at 203-385-4025.
Exemption Amount:
This program is based on a sliding scale according to income and marital status. You can receive an additional 1,000 to 10,000 off of your assessment.
ACTIVE DUTY MOTOR VEHICLE EXEMPTION:
If you are on active duty as of the grand list date (October 1st) you are entitled to have one vehicle exempted. Application must be made no later than 14 months after the grand list date. For example anyone seeking this exemption for the October 1, 2020 grand list (July 2021 billing) must file his or her application with the Assessor’s office no later than December 31, 2021. This application must be filed annually. To download the application for the active duty serviceman exemption please click on the link below.
Active Duty Serviceman ApplicationIf you are an Out-of-State resident who is stationed in Connecticut and have a motor vehicle registered in the State of Connecticut you may be eligible for the Federal Soldiers and Sailors Exemption Program.
This program provides that personal property belonging to an active duty service member is not subject to local tax because of military orders. The only exception to this rule is business personal property owned by a service member, which can be assessed and taxed by the taxing jurisdiction in which it is located.
Federal Soldier’s and Sailor’s Exemption Application
Application Process:
An application must be filed with the Assessor’s Office annually in order to receive this exemption. The application must be completed by the service member and sworn to before a notary public or a commissioned officer having attained the grade of ensign or above and returned to the Assessor’s Office. To download an application, please click on the link below.
Exemption Amount:
This program allows for the exemption of any motor vehicle registered in the service members name.
State Disability Exemption
Anyone who has been deemed 100% disabled by social security or who can provide proof of permanent total disability benefits under a federal, state, or local government retirement or disability plan may be eligible for this exemption.
Application Process:
The deadline to file an application is no later than the end of January to receive the exemption for the coming July tax bill. You can file an application at the Assessor’s Office. An application only needs to be filed once with the Assessor’s Office.
Exemption Amount:
This program allows for an exemption of 1,000 off of your assessment.
Local Disability Exemption
Anyone who is currently receiving the State Disability Exemption may be eligible for the Local Disability Exemption.
Income Limits:
Please contact the Assessor’s Office for the current income limits.
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted at the Assessor’s Office beginning February 1st to May 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 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.
Exemption Amount:
This program allows for an exemption of 1,000 off of your assessment.
State Blind Exemption
Any person who is considered legally blind by the State of Connecticut, Bureau of Education & Services for the Blind (BESB) is eligible for this program.
Application Process:
No application is required to receive this exemption, but you must file your State letter from the BESB no later than the end of January to receive this exemption for the coming July tax bill. You will need to bring your original letter that certifies you as legally blind.
Exemption Amount:
This program allows for an exemption of 3,000 off of your assessment.
Tax Exemption for Ambulance-Type Motor Vehicles
The Town of Stratford allows for the exemption from taxation for any ambulance-type motor vehicle that is used exclusively for the purpose of transporting any medically incapacitated individual. If this vehicle is used in a manner that produces income/charges a fee for transportation such vehicle will not be eligible for this exemption.
Definitions:
- Ambulance-Type Motor Vehicle – Any motor vehicle specially equipped for the purpose of transporting medically incapacitated individuals.
- Specially Equipped – Substantially modified, equipped or fitted with, but not limited to, the following devices: hand controls, lifts, ramps, stretchers or other special seating and alterations to accommodate medical equipment such as oxygen tanks or mechanical respirators.
Application Process:
Applications for the Ambulance-Type motor vehicle exemption are due annually by November 1st. For vehicles purchased on or after October 2, or on or before July 31 of the assessment year for which such exemption is requested, applications must be filed not later than thirty days after the purchase of such vehicle or after such modifications have been made to the owner’s existing vehicle. To download a copy of the application, please click on the link below.
Ambulance-Type Motor Vehicle Exemption Application
PA-490 FARM/FOREST/OPENSPACE
PA-490 Farm/Forest/Openspace
FARM:
M-28 Exemption Forms – Horses, Ponies, Farm Mach. & Buildings
Property Tax Exemption for Farm Buildings, and Farm Machinery:
All farmers must file a personal Property Declaration Form with assessor (Form M-15 or town may have their own form) listing all taxable personal property they own in order to claim any farm exemptions.
M-28 Buildings
M-28 Farm Machinery, Horses, Ponies
FOREST:
M-39 Classification of Land as Forest Land
The purpose of the Qualified Forester’s Report is to determine whether the individual property meets the established standards for forest land. Only certified foresters who have received the appropriate training from the State Forester and met his qualifications may submit this report.
M-39 Forest Land Application
Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
D.E.E.P. State Forester, dep.forestry@ct.gov
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106 (860) 424-3000
TAX EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS-QUADRENNIAL
***This exemption is renewed every four years. The Town of Stratford will be renewing the exemption this Sept 2021.
A tax exempt application of charitable and of certain other organizations, is required by C.G.S. §12-81 and §12-87. Scientific, educational, literary, historical, or charitable institution, an agricultural or horticultural society, a cemetery organization, or a hospital society*, or corporation* or sanatorium* must file a return every four years. An additional report must be filed in any assessment year that is not a required filing year when seeking exemption for property acquired or previously not exempt. Applications must be filed with the assessor in each town in which exempt property is situated and owned on the assessment day. Applications or returns must show all property for which exempt status is sought, and must be filed with each assessor on or before November 1, or if such day is a Saturday or Sunday, on the next business day.
M-3 CAAO