Veterans Property Tax Break Deadlines Loom, State Leaders Warn

"We proudly co-sponsored a new state law to exempt veterans of the United States Armed Forces from paying property taxes on their primary residence or motor vehicle if they have a permanent and total disability rating (also referred to as a 100% disability) resulting from their active-duty service," said Foncello and Bolinsky in a joint statement. The service-connected permanent and total disability rating is determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the new Connecticut exemption applies only to a home owned by an eligible service member as their primary residence. If the eligible service member does not own a home, the exemption may be applied to one motor vehicle owned by the service member.

"A copy of your DD-214 should be submitted or verified to be on file with your tax assessor's office by October 1st. Even if you have submitted a copy of your DD-214 before, we encourage you to verify your exemption status applies to tax year 2025", the lawmakers said. "Most towns already offer some level of tax exemption for veterans, regardless of disability status, but to qualify for this benefit, former service members should refer specifically to this new program, with their local Tax Assessor." In appreciation of veterans' service and ongoing community volunteerism, the legislature passed other service-related bills affecting veterans in the 2024 session, including one that waives the 'Q' drivers-license endorsement to operate a fire truck, if the veteran has related experience, "Hopefully, this will help the departments to recruit more volunteers."