Tax Relief for Senior, Disabled and/or Blind Residents
HOMEOWNER PROGRAM
The Homeowner Program provides property tax credits from $150 to $1,250 off of your real estate tax bill and is available for low-income seniors or disabled homeowners on their primary residence. Eligibility is based on the following criteria:
Property owner is at least 65 years old as of December 31 preceding the filing period, or is at least 50 and the widow(er) of a previously approved applicant. Totally disabled taxpayers regardless of age may also be eligible upon presentation of a Social Security Award Letter or an SSA-1099 with Medicare premiums, or proof of benefits comparable to those of the Social Security Administration. Property must be owned or held in “life use” by the applicant as of October 1 of the year prior to the application period and at the time of application.
Income limits are determined annually by the State of Connecticut.* “Income” is considered income from all sources, including tax-exempt interest and Social Security. The income limit for the 2023 tax year is $53,400 for couples and $43,800 for single applicants.
Applications must be renewed every two years between February 1 and May 15. Applicants must provide copies of their Federal Income Tax (if filed) and their SSA-1099. If taxes are not filed, applicant must provide statements of all income sources (pensions, interest income, SSA-1099,etc.)
The fillable form is here, you can complete it and print it out and send to us with the required paperwork above. If you are on our list, we will mail you a paper copy to complete and return with the required papers, or you can request the paper copy from our office.
PRINT THE HOMEOWNER APPLICATION HERE
*Qualifying Income thresholds are based on Connecticut Office of Policy & Management guidelines set annually.
H.E.L.P. - Home Equity Leveraging Program
(THE TAX DEFERRAL FOR LOW-INCOME SENIORS)
Manchester town ordinance provides for a deferral of up to 100% of property taxes for low-income homeowners who qualify under the provisions described under “Property Tax Credits for Seniors and Disabled” on the reverse side. The deferred tax is reduced at a slightly smaller rate than if not deferred. No interest accrues and the deferred tax is not considered in arrears. The accrued deferred tax becomes payable to the Town within 6 months of the sale or conveyance of the property. (If you have a mortgage or reverse mortgage, your mortgage holder may not allow participation in a deferral program.) Applicants may file at the Assessor’s Office from February 1 through May 15.
SENIOR VOLUNTEER TAX PROGRAM
Low-income senior homeowners may be qualified to receive up to $500 in property tax credits by volunteering with approved organizations. Contact Human Services at (860) 647-3092 for information.
RENTER’S REBATES
Senior or disabled low-income renters may be eligible for a partial rebate of rent and utility bills, excluding telephone and cable. The filing period is April 1 through October 1. Contact Senior, Adult and Family Services at (860) 647-3096 for more information and an application.
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR BLIND OR TOTALLY DISABLED PERSONS
Connecticut law provides for a $3,000 assessment exemption for taxpayers who are legally blind. Proof of blindness (certification by a qualified medical practitioner) must be presented to the Assessor prior to October 1 in order for the exemption to be applied to that assessment year’s tax bill.
Connecticut law also provides for a $1,000 exemption for totally disabled persons who are receiving benefits under a federal, state or local retirement plan, which contains requirements comparable to those of the Social Security Administration. Proof of disability must be presented to the Assessor prior to October 1 in order for the exemption to be applied to that assessment year’s taxes.
Homeowners who are totally disabled may also be qualified for tax credits under the State-sponsored Homeowners Program even if they have not reached age 65. Refer to first section above, or call the Assessor's office at 860-647-3016.
PRINT APPLICATION FOR CERTIFIED BLIND TAX BENEFIT HERE(PDF, 77KB)
PRINT APPLICATION FOR DISABLED TAX BENEFIT HERE(PDF, 76KB)
HANDICAP EQUIPPED VEHICLES
In Manchester, by municipal ordinance, privately used motor vehicles that have been retrofitted to accommodate a handicapped person may be fully exempted from property taxes. You will need to complete our form with information about the vehicle and schedule an inspection of the vehicle with the Assessor's office. Contact the Assessor’s Office at (860) 647-3016 for further information.
The form is here: Handicap Equipped Vehicles Exemption Application(PDF, 135KB)