In addition to benefits and exemptions currently offered by the State of Connecticut to ease the tax impact on senior citizens and totally disabled persons, the Windsor Town Council reviewed recommendations made by a citizen advisory committee and voted in favor of including a local tax relief option in the FY07 proposed budget, subject to the pending budget referendum on May 16th.

What is it?

Connecticut state law allows the town the ability to create a local tax option that would provide additional benefits above state limits as well as increase the income requirements beyond the caps set by the state.

Presently 376 households participate in the Elderly and Totally Disabled Tax Relief program offered by the state. This program allows homeowners 65 years of age or older who meet income eligibility requirements, to receive tax credits. In addition, those persons 100% disabled as defined by social security, are also eligible. The town receives reimbursements from the State of Connecticut for the credits and in FY 2006 that amount will be approximately $220,000.

If the town adopts a local option, the state will not reimburse the town for those funds granted under the local program. The Town Council was has adjusted the proposed budget to include the following:

1. Increase benefits allowed under State regulations by 20%. For example, married couples earning less than $13,800 would be eligible to receive a maximum total benefit of $1,500 per year which is $250 more than they currently receive.
2. Income eligibility will be increased to $39,999, $6,000 over the State income cap. Single homeowners 65 years old or older earning between $27,901 and $39,999 would be eligible to receive a $200 tax credit. Married households earning the same income as above would be eligible to receive a $300 tax credit.

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