SIMSBURY, CT — More disabled veterans and surviving spouses in Simsbury will qualify for property tax exemptions under changes recently approved by the Simsbury Board of Selectmen, although a new cap could reduce the exemption available to some existing recipients.
The changes, announced by the town Oct. 7, will take effect with the Oct. 1, 2026, Grand List and will be reflected in property tax bills issued in July 2027.
The changes follow legislation approved by the Connecticut General Assembly that allows municipalities to expand or modify certain property tax exemptions for disabled veterans.
The original exemption was established under Public Act 24-46 in 2024, while Public Act 25-168 provided municipalities with additional local options.
According to town officials, selectmen reviewed the available options over several months before voting to adopt four changes affecting eligibility and the amount of property that can be exempted.
Previously, the exemption applied to veterans whom the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determined were 100% permanently and totally disabled because of a service-connected disability, along with certain qualifying surviving spouses.
Under the newly adopted provisions, veterans who receive Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) from the VA for a service-connected disability may also qualify.
The town also expanded eligibility for surviving spouses.
Under the new rules, a surviving spouse may qualify if their veteran spouse was determined by the VA to have either a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability or TDIU for a service-connected disability.
The exemption now extends to qualifying surviving spouses whose veteran spouse died after Jan. 1, 1970.
Town officials said eligibility may also apply when the VA issues a qualifying disability determination after a veteran's death.
The town noted that federal changes, including the PACT Act, have allowed some veterans and their families to obtain disability determinations that were unavailable during the veteran's lifetime.
While the changes expand eligibility, Simsbury also adopted a limit on the amount of assessed property value that can be exempted.
The exemption will now be capped at the town's median assessed residential property value, currently $261,940.
Previously, the exemption applied to a qualifying veteran's dwelling. The town has expanded the exemption to include up to 2 acres of land surrounding the home.
Under the new rules:
Town officials emphasized that the median assessment cap is not permanent and could change following future state-mandated property revaluations.
As property values change, the exemption limit could increase or decrease.
The town acknowledged that the new cap could affect veterans and surviving spouses who have already been receiving the exemption.
Veterans and surviving spouses seeking to maintain the exemption must submit an application annually by Jan. 1.
Applicants must also provide current VA disability documentation, which the VA updates each July.
For the exemption associated with the Oct. 1, 2026, Grand List, the annual application deadline is Jan. 1, 2027.
The town is encouraging residents who believe they may qualify under the expanded provisions, as well as existing recipients concerned about the new assessment cap, to contact the Assessor's Office.
Residents can reach the office by calling 860-658-3251 or emailing assessoroffice@simsbury-ct.gov. Additional information is available on the Town of Simsbury's website.
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