News & Latest Press Releases on Programs
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS TO MEET IN MARCH 2010
The Tolland Board of Assessment Appeals will meet for the purpose of hearing appeals on the October 1, 2009 Grand List and the October 1, 2008 Supplemental Motor Vehicle Grand List.
The Board of Assessment Appeals is a volunteer board comprised of Town of Tolland Taxpayers. Taxpayers who believe that the Assessor erred in the valuation of their motor vehicle, real estate or personal property assessment may request a hearing with the board. Applications for a hearing may be obtained by calling the Assessor’s office at (860) 871-3650 or you may pick one up at the Assessor’s office. All completed applications must be returned to the Assessor’s office by February 20, 2010 Upon receipt of your application, a hearing appointment will be assigned and you will be notified of the date and time of your meeting. The taxpayer or an agent for the taxpayer must appear in person before the Board. No appeals will be heard without an appointment.
Town of Tolland Board of Assessment Appeals
Paul Flynn-Chairman
Carole L. Metcalf-Gordon
Gerald Clark
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PRESS RELEASE
TOWN OF TOLLAND TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS
(FEBRUARY 1, 2010) – The Tolland Tax Assessor’s office is currently accepting applications for tax relief for senior citizens or permanently disabled homeowners from February 1, 2010 through May 15, 2010. There are three separate programs available:
Homeowner Aid for the Elderly and Disabled Program (Circuit Breaker) is a State program which requires homeowners to be 65 years of age as of December 31, 2009, or be 50 years of age or over and the surviving spouse or civil partner of a homeowner who at the time of death had qualified for and was entitled to tax relief, or be eligible to receive permanent total disability benefits under Social Security. Such spouse or civil union partner must have been domiciled with the homeowner at the time of death. You must also have been a resident of Connecticut for at least one year. Your 2009 income, including Social Security, cannot exceed $39,500 if married or $32,300 if unmarried.
Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens (Ordinance 25) is a local tax deferment program. This program defers property taxes for low income homeowners while they own their property. When the property is sold or a use change occurs, all back taxes are due with interest. Your maximum income cannot exceed $51,200 for this program. You must be over 65 years of age or eligible to receive permanent total disability benefits under Social Security.
Local Tax Relief Program for Permanently Disabled and Senior Residents (Ordinance 60) is a tax freeze program. Eligibility requirements are that homeowners must have resided and paid taxes on property since July 1, 2009 or earlier, at least one of the homeowners must be 65 years of age by December 31, 2009 or eligible to receive permanent total disability benefits of the surviving spouse or civil union partner or homeowner who at the time of death qualified for this program. Household income for the year 2009 cannot exceed $51,200 and total household assets (excluding the home) cannot exceed $512,000.
The application period for all three programs is February 1, 2010 through May 15, 2010. All applications must be accompanied by proof of income. For an application or more information, please call the Tolland Assessor’s office at (860) 871-3650.
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NOTICE TO TOLLAND RESIDENTS
The Tolland Assessor’s Office is currently receiving applications from individuals who are entitled to the following exemptions:
Any person who has been declared legally blind is entitled to a $3,000 exemption. Proof must be filed with the Assessor. Handicapped individuals who drive specially equipped motor vehicles must apply annually to have their vehicle exempted from property taxes. The filing deadline is January 31, 2010.
Totally disabled persons who are receiving permanent total disability under the Federal Old Age Survivors and Disability Insurance Program are entitled to an exemption of $1,000 of property assessment on property that they own. The filing deadline is December 1, 2009.
All persons filing for land assessment reductions under Public Act 490, Farm, Forest and Open Space for the first time must submit an application to the Assessor between September 1 and October 31, 2009. A State Forester must certify Forest Land applications before the Department of Environmental Protection will issue a Forest Certificate. Open Space must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission prior to filing with the Assessor. Owners of land already under Public Act 490 that has not changed in use or acreage do not have to file annual applications with the Assessor.
Personal Property forms will be mailed out in late September to those known individuals having taxable personal property. Taxable personal property consists of all unregistered motor vehicles, campers, horses/ponies and construction equipment.
All Businesses located in Tolland are required to file an annual Personal Property Declaration. Any Business having personal property to declare and which has not received forms by October 1st should contact the Assessor’s Office and the forms will be mailed. All Personal Property forms must be returned to the Assessor’s Office during October, or a 25% penalty will be applied according to State law. All Personal Property not declared and discovered by the Assessor will be valued by the Assessor. All appeal rights will be waived. If you closed your business during the past year, you must notify the Assessor in written form to have your account removed from the Grand List. Questions may be directed to the Assessor’s Office at 871-3650.
FILING DEADLINE FOR TOLLAND MILITARY VETERANS
The Tolland Assessor’s office will be preparing the 2009 Grand List during the coming months. Tolland residents are advised that Veterans claiming a property exemption, who have not filed their honorable discharge form DD-214, must bring their original or a certified copy to the Town Clerk’s office prior to September 30, 2009.
The Veteran must be a US citizen for 10 years and have served 90 days of the conflict or the full duration of any conflict lasting less than ninety days. Eligibility for this exemption will be determined by the Assessor after review of the information provided.
Disabled Veterans and Veterans with incomes under $37,300 for married and $30,500 for single may be eligible for additional benefits. Filing deadline is October 1, 2009.
Veterans on active duty service, personnel to certain members of the reserve components of the armed forces, including the National Guard, who perform duty under Title 32 of the United States code, may be eligible for a Veteran’s exemption. Title 32 covers Homeland Security missions, airport security duty service in time of National disasters and patrol of the United States borders. Individuals applying must meet eligibility requirements under CGS-12-81
Active duty military personnel may have one motor vehicle exempted from taxes. The Assessor’s office has a form which must be completed and signed by the serviceman and his commanding officer and returned to the Assessor’s office to qualify for this benefit.
Please click here to access the Assessor’s Revaluation page
for more details.