Property Tax Exemptions

PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION PROGRAMS

A property tax exemption is a reduction in an approved applicant's real or motor vehicle property assessment that is administered by the Assessor of the town in which the applicant resides. Residency and property ownership must be established on or before the October 1 assessment date.

Tax Exemption for Blind Persons

State law provides for a $3,000 property tax exemption for property owners who are legally blind. Proof of blindness, a Certificate of Blindness from the State Board of Education and Services to the Blind or a certification by a qualified medical doctor, must be submitted to the Assessors Office by October 1. Once satisfactory proof of blindness has been filed, the resident becomes permanently eligible for this exemption and does not need to file in subsequent years.

Disability Exemption

Residents under the age of 65 on Social Security Disability are eligible for a $ 1,000 assessment exemption. Qualifying applicants must file his or her Social Security Administration disability document (award letter) with the Assessor's Office by October 1. 

Handicapped Exemption

Any owner of a motor vehicle that has been specially equipped to accommodate a handicapped driver or passenger may be eligible for a handicapped exemption. To be eligible for this exemption, the vehicle must be inspected and approved by the Assessor. This exemption abates the motor vehicle tax in full.

Tax Exemptions for Veterans

Honorably discharged veterans who served in wartime may be eligible for a $6,000 exemption to be applied toward their real estate or motor vehicle assessments. Proof of military service (DD214 discharge papers) must be filed with the Town Clerk's Office prior to the October 1 Grand List date to get the exemption on that list.

Disabled Veterans, who qualify for the basic veterans exemption, may receive an additional exemption. To qualify the veteran must initally submit their Department of Veterans Affairs form showing the percentage of disability to the Assessor's Office by March 31. This document will only be required in subsequent years if the percent of disability changes.

Additional Veteran's Exemption (Income eligible)

Low income disabled and wartime veterans may receive additional exemption benefits. The application must be filed with the Assessor's Office between February 1 and October 1. Proof of income received in the previous calendar year must be provided. Following approval of the initial application by the Assessor the applicant must file biennially. The maximum income limit for the 2011 Grand List is $39,500 for a married person and $32,300 for a single person.

In-Service Exemptions

An active member of the armed forces may be eligible to have one motor vehicle exempt from property tax. To qualify, the individual must submit an annual In-Service Exemption Form signed by his/her commanding officer. The forms can be obtained from our office or you can dowload the form by using the link below.  The signed form must be filed with us prior to December 31, next, following the tax due date.

Motor Vehicle Property Tax Exemption Form