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 Assessor's 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.
Social Security 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 along with the Totally Disabled Application.
Homeowners Tax Relief Program for Senior and/or Totally Disabled
State Elderly and Disabled Homeowners Program- Homeowners over age 65, or homeowners deemed totally disabled by Social Security, may be eligible for a tax credit off their tax bill depending on their income. The amount of credit that may be granted is up to $1,250 for married couples and $1,000 for single persons. Credit amounts are based on a graduated income scale set by the state. For the calendar year of 2023, the maximum income is $53,400 if married, or $43,800 if single. Income includes both taxable and non-taxable, including Social Security. You must present proof of your income and apply between February 1st and May 15th. Once approved, the applicant must refile every two years.
Local Elderly and Disabled Homeowners Program- Additional tax relief is available to residents who qualify for the State Elderly and Disabled Homeowners Program. Homeowners aged 65-69 may receive an additional $200 tax credit and eligible homeowners aged 70 or older may receive an additional tax credit of $500. An application must be filed between February 1st and May 15th and once approved, the applicant must refile every two years.
MV Tax Exemption for Persons with Disabilities
Any owner of a motor vehicle that has been specially equipped to accommodate a driver or passenger with a disability may be eligible for this exemption. To be eligible, 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.
A disabled veteran who qualifies for the basic veteran's exemption may receive an additional exemption. To qualify, the veteran must initially 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.
New Veterans Exemption- Effective 10/1/2024
A new property tax exemption is now available for those with a service-connected permanent and total disability rating. The effective date for Public Act 24-46 is October 1, 2024. If you hold a disability rating through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and have not updated our office with your award letter this year, we are requesting:
Please submit the above documentation to the Assessor’s Office a.s.a.p. to allow for administrative processing.
Read the full Public Act No. 24-46 online.
Questions regarding the New Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with a P&T Disability Rating
Additional Veteran's Exemption (Income Eligible)
Qualifying 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 (2023) must be provided. Following approval of the initial application by the Assessor, the applicant must file biennially. The maximum income limit for the 2024 Grand List is $53,400 for a married person and $43,800 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 signed Active Duty Military Motor Vehicle Property Tax Exemption Form must be filed with us prior to December 31, next, following the tax due date.
Tax Exemption For Farm Buildings
Applications are available in the Assessor's Office and online. Please contact the office for more information.