Senate Okays

Vets’ Property

Tax Bill

HARTFORD — A bill that would enable Connecticut municipalities to expand the number of wartime veterans and surviving spouses who are eligible for an optional property tax exemption was given final legislative approval last week by the state Senate.

Currently, Connecticut municipalities may increase their optional property tax exemption for wartime veterans and their surviving spouses from a maximum of $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000. Under the legislators’ bill, towns and cities also could authorize an exemption for up to ten percent of the assessed value of the eligible veteran’s property.

The bill would increase the income limits for single veterans and single surviving spouses eligible for the property tax exemption from a maximum of $16,200 to an amount up to $41,200. For married veterans, the income limit could be increased from the maximum of $20,000 to $45,000.

If the governor signs the bill, the legislation would take affect July 1, 2003, and be applicable to assessment years starting on and after October 1, 2003.  State Representative Julia B. Wasserman, R-106th District, was one of the bill’s original co-sponsors.