The State of Connecticut offers an Elderly Tax Benefit known as the Homeowners Program, formerly known as the Circuit Breaker Program. In order to be eligible, applicant must own or hold life use of the property, and property must be primary legal residence. Eligible applicants shall be age of 65 prior to Dec. 31, 2022, or totally disabled if under the age of 65.

Applicants shall provide information regarding all income received during 2022, including Social Security, which is declared under this program. The income limit, including Social Security is $49,100 for married couples and $40,300 for single persons.

East Lyme also provides a Local Tax Credit Program for elderly and totally disabled homeowners. Qualifying maximum income for this program is $49,100 regardless of marital status.

Please bring all proof of income received in 2022 including the SSA-1099 statement of yearly benefits from Social Security and a copy of your completed 2022 IRS return (if applicable) to the Assessor’s Office, 108 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic, to complete the application process.

The filing period for the above programs is Feb. 1, 2023, through May 15, 2023. Please call the Assessor’s office at 860-739-6931 to schedule an appointment to make application.

Veterans program

Applicant must qualify in accordance with the income guidelines approved annually by Office of Policy and Management. Income limits for the 2022 calendar year cannot exceed $40,300 for single individual or $49,100 for married couples. If applicant received Social Security during 2022 calendar year, it must be included as income. A complete copy of the IRS return (if applicable) must be submitted at the time of application with a copy of the SSA-1099. If no IRS is filed, then all 1099s for the year must be presented. Note that income limits for 100% disabled veterans are $18,000 and $21,000 if married.

Local Veteran exemption program provides an addition $5,000 exemption to qualified applicants meeting income requirements per ordinance as approved and adopted by the Board of Selectmen. Income limits for 2022 are $42,300 if single and $51,100 if married. A complete copy of the IRS return (if applicable) must be submitted at the time of application with a copy of the SSA-1099. If no IRS return is filed, then all 1099’s for 2022 must be presented.

The filing period for the additional Veterans programs is Feb. 1, 2023, through Oct. 1, 2023. Please call the Assessor’s office at 860-739-6931 to schedule an appointment to make application.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays, or contact the Assessor’s Office at 860-739-6931 for further information.