City Helping with Senior Tax Relief

That tax deadline is approaching quicker than you think.

April 15 doesn’t represent a deadline just for federal and state income taxes, it represents a cut-off for qualified senior and disabled citizens to apply for relief on local real estate taxes.

Both the state and city have programs for taxpayers depending on their income. Some taxpayers will qualify for programs at both levels. Benefits will apply to tax bills issued come this July.

To help residents sort out the issues involved, the city will be holding a public information session Tuesday. The session takes place at 10:30 a.m. in the Norwalk Senior Center, at 11 Allen Road.

Those present will include representatives from the Tax Assessor and Tax Collector’s offices, who will outline the various programs and take questions about them. In addition the center’s staff will be available to help residents with the necessary applications.

Residents may have had an early look at the programs thanks to a brochure that went out with the December 2010 bill statements.

But since then, things have changed to eligible residents’ advantage. On March 22, the Common Council expanded the limits for some beneficiaries of the local program.

Under the change, the amount of tax relief provided increases for Tier I recipients from $1,000 to $1,150 per household. Furthermore, the income limit increases from $27,000 to $32,000.

The benefit for Tier 2 recipients, whose incomes go up to $45,200, remains unchanged at $750.

State assistance can range from $150 to $1,250 annually per household.

Those who can’t make Tuesday’s session can find out more by calling the Tax Assessor’s Office. The phone number is 203 854-7749.