The front page of the Herald today, 9/24/09, carried a sub-headline that reads; “Councilors agree to tax exemptions for seniors, veterans”. This is incorrect. The Council voted to send the resolution to Sub Committee for discussion! The same mistake appears on Page 3 as the headline to article continuation.
It is my feeling that the correction when printed should be of the same size font as the mistake. I hope this mistake will be corrected promptly. The text of the article was correct. Already today, I have received two inquiries as to how to sign up for the exemptions.
As was discussed last night some tax exemptions for persons with disabilities, veterans and the elderly already exist for those who qualify. These exemptions are partially reimbursed to the city by the state. Any new exemptions created are funded entirely by all of the NB taxpayers (no reimbursement). In the long run what in all likelihood will happen is, new exemptions created will raise taxes for all taxpayers to pay for the exemptions. This of course means that those getting the exemptions will also see a rise in taxes. !!!!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
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9 comments:
There was an exemption for seniors
with regard to property taxes previously. That program expired. Now seniors can apply annually for some tax relief based on their adjusted income and a sliding scale? Some do not qualify for any reduction. There is a specific time period each year to apply.
Senior citizens are the cities greatest asset. They no longer use
the school system. Most have paid their property taxes on time faithfully. Seniors remain interested in the community, just check out a common council meeting.
Once permanently retired all seniors from all financial situations live on fixed incomes.
Increases in property taxes over a hopefully long and healthy retirement can force seniors from
their homes or at least from our
city or this state.
Most states have homestead exemptions, school exemptions, and or caps on further increases to seniors property taxes.
I think if we are going to offer assistance to anyone it should be to our senior citizens. Social programs and special interests are always getting funded and on the backs of our seniors who worked hard and paid in all their lives.
Seniors should be able to rely on
property tax relief and minimal increases over time so they can budget accordingly their fixed incomes.
Current Mayoral Candidate Tim O'Brien has introduced various property tax reform ideas at the state level. His plan would re-distribute the percentage of property taxes paid across the state thus reducing property taxes
for all homeowners who meet qualifying guidelines as they relate to their percentage of paid
state income taxes. Reductions would be made up by the wealthiest
property owners. To date this has opened up discussion but no changes effecting property tax relief for seniors or the disabled
have passed. This plan would be a complete overhall of the system that would present quite a comprehensive program that could be costly just to administrate. Bigger goverment expenses.
Most state and municipal goverments that offer property tax relief for seniors and the disabled do so through rebates, homestead, deferral and assesment
freezing or a combination. Age restrictions, income limits and property ownership guidelines apply. Before we write off the feasibility of writing such a program here in New Britain, careful consideration and review of
what could be accomplished in New Britain should be explored.
The New Britain Assessor's Office
27 West Main Street, New Britain, CT
Property Tax Relief For The Elderly And Totally Disabled. Seniors can apply annually for tax relief based on their adjusted income and a sliding scale...
...Connecticut law provides for annual tax relief payments for certain home-owners. The following information applies to applications filed in 2009 for the Grand list of Oct.1, 2008. To be eligible for such a grant:
1. You, or your spouse must have been at least 65 years of age as of December 31, 2008; or you must be over 18 and permanently disabled.
2. You must be a permanent resident of the State of Connecticut. The property must be the applicant's primary residence.
3. Your 2008 income cannot exceed $37,300 if you're married or $30,500 if you're single/widowed.
Income definition: Qualifying income is defined as adjusted gross income for IRS purposes plus any income not included in such adjusted gross income plus the amount received from Social Security.
4. You must provide the Assessors Office or the NB SENIOR CENTER with a copy of your federal income tax return if you file one, and a copy of your Social Security 1099 form. The Assessors office or the Senior Center may require all other proofs of income that may be necessary for the certification of the claim.
SENIOR CENTER 55 Pearl St.
New Britain CT
In addition to the above conditions, homeowners must:
1. File an application between February 2nd and May 15th.
2. Own the property or hold a tenancy for life or a number of years, which makes the applicant liable for payment of taxes(CGS Sec 12- 48).
3. Credits are determined as a percentage of taxes.
NB Veterans (Any Age)can file for $1,5000 exception on their property - house or car.
NB residents should know that the City of NB spent approximztely $200K last year covering exemptions for which there are no reimbursements. From where do you think that money came? Right you are; from ALL NEW BRITAIN TAXPAYERS!!!
Thank you for that information regarding the current tax relief program for seniors. Although anything is better than nothing, the current program provides a very
small percentage reduction.
There is a tax relief exemption for veterans. A majority of seniors, mostly males, are veterans.Would these veterans qualify for further tax relief? Are their widows eligible to still qualify for the veterans exemption?
I personally would prefer to pay taxes that benefit senior citizens
rather than footing the bill for able bodied working age lazy slobs.
And giving seniors an incentive to stay in NB rather than selling their homes to families with several children who need per pupil
spending is a bargain right there.
Good for Louis.
Curious Mind wants to know has left a new comment on your post "Correction:":
Th dumbocrats ignore the professional expertise of Corporation Counselor Bizzaro? Seems to me he gives fair opinions on all matters when questioned, regardless of the political affiliation of the Council member doing the questioning on any matter. Why spend $2000 for a biased opinion?? Get with the program!!
WITH PROPER RESPECT YOUR COMMENT NEEDS CORRECTING IT IS 20k AND NOT 2k THAT THE LBERALS WANT TO PAY FOR AN OUTSIDE ATTORNEY WHICH THE MAYOR PROPERLY ISUUED HIS VETO!
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