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Veterans Exemptions
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR VETERANS
VETERAN’S EXEMPTION
Combat period veterans or their surviving spouse who have filed their DD-214 with the Town Clerk may be eligible for a $3,000 property tax exemption. The veteran must have served at least 90 days during a time of combat. His/her DD-214 (Honorable Discharge) or a certified copy must be filed with the Town Clerk prior to October 1st in order for the exemption to be applied to the next assessment list. Time of Combat veterans still serving can apply for this exemption at the Assessor’s Office. This basic veteran’s exemption is a primary qualification for the Additional Veteran’s Exemption and the Wolcott Local Option Additional Veteran’s Exemption.
Veterans having a disability rating of at least 10% from the Office of Veterans’ Affairs are eligible for increased benefits. In order to qualify for these increased benefits, the veteran must present his/her annual disability verification letter from the Veteran’s Administration to the Assessor by October 1 each year.
ADDITIONAL VETERAN’S EXEMPTION
Veterans or widows/widowers of a veteran of a combat period who meet income qualifications may be eligible to receive an additional veteran’s exemption. In effect, their $3,000 exemption is doubled to $6,000.
Income limits are determined annually by the State of Connecticut. “Income” is defined as income from all sources, including tax-exempt interest and Social Security. For the 2009 application period, 2008 income from all sources is considered. The income limits for 2008 are $37,300 for married applicants and $30,500 for single applicants. The income limits are adjusted annually.
In order to qualify, an application must be made between February 1 and October 1 for the exemption to be applied to the next year’s tax bill. Proof of income must be submitted; Applicants must bring original or copies of their federal income tax (if filed) and their SSA-1099. If taxes are not filed, statements of all income sources (pensions, interest income, etc.) must be provided and the original or a certified copy of the veteran’s DD-214 (Honorable Discharge) must be filed with the Town Clerk by September 30.
To continue receiving additional veteran’s benefits, re-filing is necessary every 2nd year as long as income remains within program limits.
WOLCOTT LOCAL OPTION TO ADDITIONAL VETERAN’S EXEMPTION
Wolcott residents who qualify for the Additional Veteran’s Exemption may also apply for the Town-sponsored local option veteran’s exemption. This benefit adds $10,000 to the exemption, bringing the total amount to $16,000. Income requirements are the same as previously described programs and the application period is February 1 through October 1.
VETERANS’ COMBAT PERIODS
Sec. 12-81 (19) CGS
Spanish-American April 21, 1898 - July 4, 1902
Moro Province April 21, 1898 - July 15, 1903 (1)
Mexican Border March 10, 1916 – April 6, 1917
WW I April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918
WW I - Service in Russia April 6, 1917 – April 1, 1920 (2)
WW ll December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1947 (3)
Korean Hostilities June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955 (South Korea Demilitarized Zone to Present)
Lebanon Conflict July 1, 1958 – November 1, 1958 (4)
Vietnam Era February 28, 1961 – July 1, 1975
Berlin Airlift August 14, 1961 – June 1, 1962
Lebanon Peacekeeping September 29, 1982 - March 30, 1984 (4)
Invasion of Grenada October 25, 1983 – December 15, 1983 (4)
Operation Earnest Will February 1 1987 – July 23, 1989 (4)
Invasion of Panama December 20, 1989 – January 31, 1990 (4)
Persian Gulf War August 2, 1990 – Present (5)
(1) The Spanish American War includes the Philippine Insurrection, the Boxer Rebellion and service in the Moro Province, for which the ending date is eleven days later than the ending date for the Spanish American War.
(2) The ending date for service in Russia by a person serving with the United States military forces during World War I differs from the ending date for all service during that war in all other arenas.
(3) Pursuant to §12-86, twelve o’clock midnight on December 31, 1947 is the World War II termination date for purposes of granting a property tax exemption.
(4) A person must have served in a combat or combat support role for the duration of a campaign lasting less than 90 days (i.e., the Invasion of Grenada and Panama) in order to qualify for a property tax exemption. A person must also have served in a combat or combat support role in Lebanon or in Operation Earnest Will, during the specified dates, in order to qualify for an exemption. An Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to such individuals.
(5) Although referred to as the Persian Gulf War, service in the Persian Gulf is not required, nor is service in a combat or combat support role.
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