Tax Relief for Elderly and Totally Disabled Persons
The Assessor's Office accepts applications for the State of Connecticut Circuit Breaker program between Feb 1 and May 15 annually. Under this program, the State of Connecticut pays a portion of your tax bill ranging from $150 to $1,250. There is no requirement to re-pay the state.
In order to qualify for the program a person must be totally disabled or over age 65 at the end of the previous calendar year. The total allowable qualifying household income, including Social Security benefits, changes yearly.
The total allowable qualifying income for calendar year ending 2023 is: $53,400 for a married couple and $43,800 for a single person.
The amount of tax relief is a sliding scale based on the total qualifying income. For example, a married couple with an annual qualifying income of $29,000, may be eligible for assistance from the State of up to $1,000. The $1,000 would be taken off their tax bill.
Once eligible for the State program, a person/couple is also qualified for the Town of Essex matching benefit. Using the example above, the tax bill could be reduced by a maximum of $2,000.
If you or someone you know, might meet the requirements for this benefit, please have them come to the Assessor's Office at Town Hall with their SSA 1099, and proof of any income earned in the previous calendar year or a copy of their most recent tax return.
Click the link below for more information on the State of Connecticut program and necessary forms.
We look forward to the opportunity to assist you.