Town of Cheshire

Press Release: Tax Credit Applications

Posted on 01/25/2024

Applications for tax credits for Town of Cheshire homeowners over 65 years of age and those totally disabled will be taken at the Assessor’s office in the Cheshire Town Hall from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. February 1, 2024 until May 15, 2024.
These programs consist of the following:

STATE OF CONNECTICUT ELDERLY HOMEOWNERS PROGRAM - This is a real estate tax credit program for homeowners who are at least 65 years of age as of December 31, 2023 and meet certain income guidelines.

Those guidelines require that annual income for single people, including Social Security benefits, should not exceed $43,800. Married couples can be eligible if their income, including Social Security benefits, does not exceed $53,400.

Applicants must bring all proof of their 2023 income, including a copy of their 2023 federal income tax return, if one is filed, and proof of Social Security income (Form 1099) for the 2023 calendar year. Also, the applicant must own and reside in the property for which tax relief is sought as of October 1, 2023 or must hold a tenancy for life use of the property and be liable for the tax bill. This must be the applicant’s principal or legal residence.

Homeowners who are totally disabled, and don’t qualify for the elderly homeowners program because they are under age 65 can apply. One must provide proof of their disability award letter from the Social Security Administration. Also, the same income guidelines established for the elderly homeowners program must be met.
Previous participants in this program will be required to refile their applications biennially and will be notified by mail of this refiling requirement. New applicants who think they qualify for this tax relief should inquire at the Assessor’s Office.

TOWN OF CHESHIRE LOCAL ELDERLY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM 
In addition to the State of Connecticut property tax relief program, the Town of Cheshire offers a local tax relief program. 

This program currently provides three types of property tax relief for qualifying applicants.
The first element of the program provides a tax credit for married couples whose income does not exceed $82,480 and single people whose income does not exceed $77,015. The second part of the program provides a tax deferral of up to 75% of taxes for married couples whose income does not exceed $53,400 and single people whose income does not exceed $43,800.

The third part of the program is the local elderly tax freeze. The income limits for this program are the same as they are for the deferral program. Applicants must be 70 years old as of December 31, 2023. Further details can be obtained from the Assessor’s office.

To qualify for the local tax relief programs, these income guidelines must be met as well as the age or disability criteria outlined in the above-mentioned state programs. Applicants must bring all proof of their 2023 income, including a copy of their 2023 federal income tax return, if one is filed, and proof of Social Security income (Form 1099) for the 2023 calendar year. The application period for those interested in the Town program is February 1, 2024 through May 15, 2024.

If you need more information, please call the Assessor’s Office at 203-271-6620.