Tax Relief Programs
The application period for State and Town Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Tax Relief Programs begins February 1, 2025
THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS FEBRUARY 1, 2025 – MAY 15, 2025
2024 Calendar Year Qualifying Income Guidelines:
State Homeowners Program - Unmarried: $45,200 Married: $55,100
Town Homeowner’s Program - Unmarried: $64,800 Married: $64,800
All applications are to be made at the Town of Stratford Assessor’s Office
Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
No Appointment Necessary
Applications must be accompanied by your complete 2024 tax return, including all relevant backup. If you are not required to file a tax return, all 2024 income statements must be submitted. Applicants must be 65 years of age by December 31, 2024 or approved 100% Disabled by Social Security. Individuals who are Social Security Disabled must also bring current proof of social security disability (TPQY/BPQY).
CLICK HERE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS
What is qualifying income?
· Wages, bonuses, commissions, gratuities and fees, self-employment net income (do not include depreciation expense)
· Net Social Security (Box 5 from SSA-1099), Federal Supplemental Security Income, Payment for Jury Duty
· Dividends and interest
· IRA – including only ‘taxable’ amount, not “total distribution”
· Black Lung Payments
· Green Thumb Payments
· Interest or proceeds resulting in gifts received
· Lottery winnings
· Net income from sale or rental of real or personal property (do not include depreciation). Receipts for expenses required when no tax return has been filed.
· Pensions and annuities – include only “taxable” amount
· Veteran’s pension and disability payments
· Railroad retirement
· Severance pay and unemployment compensation
· Worker’s Compensation
· Alimony
· Department of Social Services cash assistance (SAGA)
· Legal Settlements – net proceeds
· Dependency and Indemnity Compensation from Department of Veterans Affairs
· Cancellation of Debt
· If property is owned in trust, any distributions received from the trust, verified with a copy of the trust’s federal tax return.
· Capital gains total from previous year only (capital loss carryover from a previous year should be excluded from qualifying income calculations).
State of Connecticut Elderly and Totally Disabled Homeowners Program
Anyone who is over age 65 by December 31 or 100% disabled through Social Security and owns real estate in the Town of Stratford as of October 1 may be eligible for the State Homeowners program. This program is income based and applicants must file an application with the Assessor’s Office biannually between February 1st and May 15th.
Benefit Amounts:
This program is based on a sliding scale according to income and marital status. You can receive a minimum tax credit of $150 to $1,000. This credit is applied to your total tax due thus reducing the amount of your tax bill.
Local Homeowners Program
Anyone who is over age 65 by December 31 or 100% disabled through social security and owns real estate in the Town of Stratford as of October 1 may be eligible for the Local Homeowners program. This program is income based and applicants must file an application biannually. Applications will be accepted at the Assessor’s Office from February 1 to May 15.
Income Limits:
The qualifying income for either married or unmarried persons should not exceed $64,800 for calendar year 2024.
Application Process:
You will need to bring a copy of your most current tax return along with all related income statements. If you do not file a tax return you will need to bring all your year-end income statements. For example, if you are filing an application in 2025 you will need proof of your income for the 2024 year. Applicants under the age of 65 who have been deemed 100% disabled must also bring their TPQY from social security.
Relief Amounts:
Applicants for the Local Homeowners program must choose one of the two different exemption options: the Tax Credit option or the Town Deferral option.
The Tax Credit option – The benefit amount for this option is based on a sliding scale according to income and marital status. You can receive a minimum tax credit of $140 to $500. This credit will be increased annually by 75% of your total tax increase. i.e. if your taxes increase by $100, $75 of this will be added to your current credit, provided you meet the income requirements. This credit is applied to your total tax due thus reducing the amount of your tax bill. This option does not require reimbursement to the Town of Stratford by the applicant.
The Town Deferral option – This option allows the property owner to defer payment of 75% of the total tax due. Upon sale, transfer or death this portion will become due and payable plus interest.
Link to town ordinances and charter
State of Connecticut Renters Rebate Program
Anyone who is over age 65 by December 31 or 100% disabled through Social Security and rents or leases property in the Town of Stratford may be eligible for this program. Applicants must be a resident at time of application. The applicant must not exceed the State income limits.
Income Limits:
Single- $45,200
Married- $55,100
Application Process:
Applications must be filed annually between May 15 and September 15. Applications are accepted at the Baldwin Center at 1000 West Broad St.
Rebate Amount:
This program is based on a sliding scale according to income and martial status. You can receive a credit of $50 to $900. You will receive a check from the State of Connecticut. The check typically arrives in November of the application year. All questions regarding payments should be directed to the Office of Policy and Management.