SENIOR AND DISABLED HOMEOWNERS PROGRAM UPDATE
This applies to both the State and Town Programs
Senior and Disabled Tax Relief
Application Period: Wednesday, February 1, 2024 to Monday, May 15, 2024.
Please come between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM
State and local laws provide real property tax relief programs for Fairfield residents who are age 65 and over or totally disabled and whose annual incomes and assets are within specified limits. These programs are designed to help seniors and the totally disabled remain in the homes and town they improved over the years. Town tax relief programs are defined in Section 95-15 of the Town Code and are administered by the Assessor's Office.
Do I Qualify?
To qualify for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 tax relief:
- Persons must be at least 65 years of age (75 years old for the Deferral) or totally disabled (receiving total disability payments from Social Security or from any other government disability program) as of December 31, 2023.
- See individual program levels below with income caps.
- The property for which the tax relief is claimed must be the legal residence of the applicant and occupied by them more than 183 days of each year.
- Applicant shall have been a taxpayer of the Town of Fairfield and have paid taxes for at least one year as of October 1 of the current Grand List year.
- Persons must have a qualifying total asset value (QTAV) not exceeding $650,000. Qualifying total asset value consists of any and all assets of the applicant and spouse as of the date of application excluding the value of the applicant's primary legal residence and all tangible personal property contained therein.
A Summary of Benefits can be found here.
When to Apply
The Filing Period for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Senior and Totally Disabled Tax Relief is Wednesday, February 1, 2024 through Monday, May 15, 2024. According to State Statute, all applications must be made during this period.
Extensions to this filing deadline are only granted for "extenuating circumstances due to illness or incapacitation as evidenced by a physician's certificate or other good cause." Requests for extensions must be made by application to the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management by August 15, 2023.
How to Apply
Please call the office for application instructions at 203-256-3110. There are no paper applications. Applicants must meet in person with a staff member from the Assessor's Office to file. Application hours are 9:00-4:00 pm, Monday through Friday during the Application Period. You must bring all proof of income for the previous calendar year with you (see list below under 'What to Bring').
What to Bring
Applicants must bring proof of income for the previous calendar year. Applicants need to provide all information at filing time or will be asked to return. Applications must be complete by the due date of May 15 to be considered on time.
Proof of income includes:
- a complete copy of your 2023 income tax form 1040 or 1040A
- a copy of the 2023 social security form 1099
- all other 1099 forms whether taxable or not
For those who do not file an income tax form - copies of all 1099 forms both taxable and non taxable are required.
Town Tax Relief Programs
The Town offers three Senior and Disabled Tax Relief Programs. The 2023 income requirements and program details are as follows:
| Program Title | Maximum Income |
Details | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Program | $86,500 | Persons will have a credit which varies (depending on income) applied to their tax bill for the coming year. | This credit is a grant with no lien or payback required. |
| Freeze Program | $62,600 | Gross taxes frozen at last year's level and will continue for six years; at the end of 6 years person must choose one of the other two programs; the freeze is a one-time option only | The tax savings over the six years are a grant with no lien or payback required. |
| Deferral Program | $96,800 | Age 75+: May elect to defer up to 50% of the gross tax levied on their property. | Tax savings over time must be paid back with an interest rate as set by the Fiscal Officer and a lien will be applied against the property. |
State Tax Relief
If an applicant's 2023 income is equal to or less than $43,800 for a single person or $53,400 for a married couple, they are eligible for credit from the State as well as from the Town. If eligible a state application will be completed at the same time as the town application.