Veterans Tax Exemptions

As a veteran or currently active-duty military residing in Durham, you may be eligible for several exemption programs under the Connecticut General Statutes. To receive the basic exemption, veterans must file a long-form DD214 in the Town Clerk's office prior to October 1st in order for the exemption to be applied to their tax bill the following July. This applies only to veterans who have not previously filed.

You may be eligible for an exemption under §12-81(20) of the Connecticut General Statutes, applicable to veterans with disabilities. The degree of disability, as determined by the Veteran's Administration, must be at least 10%. The exemption increases as the % disability rises. If eligible, you will need to bring the Assessor a disability rating letter from the United States Veterans' Administration. The letter must specify the percentage of disability, whether it is permanent and total, and if it is a service-related disability. You are only required to file it with the assessor once; but if the VA changes your disability percentage, you will have to file the proof with the assessor again.

Under §12-81g, you may be eligible for the Additional Veterans exemption, an income-based exemption program. The application period is February 1 through October 1.  Applications are available in the Assessor's Office.

If you are active-duty military, one vehicle can be exempt from taxation if the proper form is filed. For CT residents with a motor vehicle in Connecticut, you file under CGS 12-81(53).  For non-CT residents with motor vehicles located in Connecticut, you file under the Federal Service Members Civil Relief Act.  Applications are available in the Assessor's Office. 

Unless otherwise specified, exemptions are applied to real estate. If you rent, the exemption will be applied to your motor vehicle.

If you have any questions, please call (860) 343-6709 or (860) 343-6723.