| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's) |
1. What property tax exemptions are available? |
Below is a listing of the various exemptions requiring filings:
VETERANS EXEMPTION- Veterans who have not filed their original discharge paper or a certified copy with the Town Clerk must do so before October 1st of this year if they wish to be eligible for the military exemption. The veteran’s exemption for specified periods of service with the armed forces provides a $1500 reduction in the assessed value of property owned by a qualified veteran.
Disabled veterans should submit their disability rating from the Veterans Administration to the Assessor’s Office by October 1st. These veterans are eligible for a reduction in the assessed value of their property ranging from $2250 - $4500 depending upon their degree of disability.
ADDITIONAL VETERANS AND LOCAL VETERANS EXEMPTION- The additional veteran’s and local veteran’s exemptions are available to qualified veterans who can meet certain income requirements. These two programs provide an increase in assessment reduction beyond the standard veteran exemption. The deadline for filing applications for these programs is October 1, 2005. Applicants must meet an income requirement of not more than $33,000 if married and $27,100 if single to qualify for the State of Connecticut Additional Veteran’s Program. The Town Council has recently increased the income limits for the Town of Cheshire Local Option Additional Veterans Exemption to $51,500 for single persons and $57,300 for married couples. Income includes adjusted gross income plus any other income, including Social Security benefits. Income is based upon the 2004 calendar year and your Federal Income Tax return and/or proof of all income must be presented to the Assessor. Please remember that proof of all income, including Social Security benefits (Form SSA-1099) for the 2004 calendar year must be submitted by October 1, 2005 or the application cannot be processed.
EXEMPTION FOR THE BLIND- Taxpayers who are blind must file certification of legal blindness with the Assessor by January 31st. Such exemption reduces the assessed value of the property owner by $3000.
Qualified blind applicants may also be entitled to an additional $2000 exemption. Applicants must meet an income requirement of not more than $33,000 if married or $27,100 if single. This application must be made on or before October 1st.
Exemptions are also available for motor vehicles of servicemen “garaged outside of State”, for specifically equipped vehicles adapted for use by disabled veterans, and for ambulance-type motor vehicles used to transport medically incapacitated individuals. For more information on these exemptions or any of the previously described exemptions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 271-6620.
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2. When are business owners required to report a declaration of personal property with the Assessor’s Office? |
Pursuant to Connecticut Statute 12-42, any business owning or leasing personal property within the Town of Cheshire must file their Declaration with the Assessor’s office no later than November 1st, annually. A twenty-five (25) percent penalty must be imposed on any business that does not file by November 1st or files without a signature by the business owner or authorized agent.
The following should be reported: machinery and equipment, office furniture and fixtures, computers and computer equipment, vending machines, copiers, non-registered motor vehicles, horses, farm machinery and all other taxable personal property located within the Town of Cheshire.
All farmers who derive at least $15,000 in gross sales from farming may make application to the Assessor for exemption of farm machinery, horses, or ponies which are exclusively used in farming. Exemptions will NOT be granted to those not filing an application.
Declaration forms have been mailed by the Assessor’s Office to local businesses. If you did not receive one, but own taxable business personal property within the Town of Cheshire, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 271-6620 or come into the Town Hall at 84 S Main St to pick up this form.
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3. How do I receive an adjustment on my motor vehicle tax bill if my car has been sold, totaled, stolen, or removed from Cheshire and registered in another state? |
See Motor Vehicle Assessment page
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