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Benefit Programs
Veteran’s Exemption
A veteran is described as a person who has served in the armed
forces. To be eligible for this exemption a veteran must have served during an
active period of war for at least 90 days, (except if the war, campaign or other
operation lasted less than ninety days), received an honorable discharge, and
have his/her discharge on file with the Town Clerk prior to October 1. Note: If
you are entitled to a disability pension as determined by the VA, whether you
served during an active period of war or not, you are eligible for a disabled
Veteran’s Exemption. You must file your percentage of disability rating (Form 20
5455) every October with the Assessor. A portion of this exemption is reimbursed
by the State of Connecticut to the City of Hartford.
Additional Veteran’s Exemption Income Requirement
Any veteran who is eligible for the veteran’s exemption
previously mentioned, and whose adjusted gross income meets certain guidelines,
is eligible for twice the regular exemption. For the October 1, 2009 Grand List,
income requirements are as Follows:
Single Veteran $32,300 Married Veteran $39,500. This includes
all income, non taxable and taxable.
Additional Veterans Exemption Income Requirement for the Totally Disabled
Single Totally Disabled $18,000 Married Totally Disabled
$21,000 Totally disabled veterans do not include social Security in their
income. Note: You must file every two years. This exemption is reimbursed by the
State of Connecticut to the City of Hartford.
Local Veteran’s Exemption
An individual who receives a veteran’s exemption and who is
not eligible to receive the additional veteran exemption based on income shall
be entitled to an additional exemption in the amount equal to one-half of the
amount of the veteran’s exemption he/she is receiving. This exemption is not
reimbursed by the State and is by City ordinance.
In-Service Exemption
A member of the armed forces who is currently on active duty
may be eligible to have one passenger motor vehicle exempt from property tax. To
qualify, the individual must submit a letter annually by December 31st from
his/her commanding officer stating that the individual is on active duty and has
the vehicle garaged with him/her. This exemption is not reimbursed by the State
and is by City ordinance.
Disability Exemption
An individual who receives a disability pension from the
Social Security Administration and has been designated by the S.S.A. is eligible
for a $1,000 exemption. To qualify you must file a copy of your "Award Letter"
that states disability prior to completion of grand list.
If the individual has not been engaged in employment covered
by Social Security, him/her must provide proof of eligibility for permanent
total disability under any federal, state or local government retirement or
disability plan, including the Railroad Retirement Act and any
government-related teacher’s retirement plan, determined by the secretary of the
Office of Policy and Management to contain requirements in respect to
qualification for such permanent total disability benefit which are comparable
to such requirement under Social Security. This exemption is reimbursed by the
State to the City of Hartford.
Blind Exemption
Any individual that presents verification from the State of
Connecticut, Board of education and Services for the blind that he/she is
considered to be legally blind may be eligible for a $3,000 exemption if filed
prior completion of the grand list. This exemption is not reimbursed by the
State.
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. This exemption would include, but it not limited to,
vehicles equipped with hand controls for the brake or accelerator and a
wheelchair lift. To be eligible for this exemption, an application must be
submitted and be approved by the Assessor. This exemption abates the motor
vehicle tax in full. This exemption is not reimbursed by the State and is by
City ordinance.
Elderly / Disabled
Benefits
State of Connecticut Homeowners Program
Any taxpayer who is 65 years old by the end of the 2009
calendar year or Totally Disabled (and can provide a TPQY Form from Social
Security), owns and occupies a home in the City of Hartford and meets certain
income guidelines, may be eligible for elderly/disabled tax relief benefits
under the State of Connecticut Homeowners’ Tax Relief Program. Depending upon
their income, qualified applicants receive 10% to 50% off their tax bills. The
benefit received by the taxpayer is reimbursed by the State of Connecticut to
the City. The income guidelines for this year are Single $32,300 Married
$39,500. Income is all income (adjusted gross, including rental income, plus
Social Security and any other income). You must present proof of income and file
between February 1st and May 15th. To continue the program
a bi-annual filing must be made.
State of Connecticut Freeze Program
The Freeze program is no longer available for new applicants.
Individuals that are currently on the program have been "grand-fathered" and may
remain on the program provided that their adjusted gross income without social
Security is less than $6,000.
If they qualify, their taxes remain frozen as of the date that
they first applied.
City of Hartford Elderly Tax Relief Program
Any taxpayer who is 65 years of age or older by the end of the
2009 calendar year, owns and occupies a home in the City of Hartford and meets
certain income guidelines, may be eligible for an $500.00 tax credit. This tax
credit would be in addition to any other elderly homeowner tax relief benefits
him/her may presently be receiving under existing State of Connecticut programs.
Applicants must have first applied for benefits under existing State tax credit
law. The income limits for this year are Single $35,400 or Married $41,600. You
must present proof of income and file between February 1st and May 15th.
To continue the program an annual filing must be made.
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