The Assessor’s office administers all state and local option exemption programs that affect tax bills. The amount of an exemption reduces the assessed value of your property. For instance, a $3,000 exemption represents a tax bill savings of 3 mills or $67.89 based on the current mill rate. The list of available exemptions includes:
Totally disabled property owners are eligible for a $1,000 property exemption by filing their proof of total disability with the Assessor’s Office.
Blind property owners are eligible for a $3,000 property exemption by filing their proof of blindness with the Assessor’s Office.
Farmers: Applications for an exemption of up to $100,000 on the assessed value of farm equipment must be filed with the Assessor by November 1. A farming operation is defined as an active agricultural concern from which is derived at least $15,000 in gross sales, or which incurs at least $15,000 in expenses related to such farming operation during the previous calendar year. There is also a $1,000 exemption on the assessed value of each horse or pony not used in a farming operation. Applications for these exemptions must be filed along with the Personal Property declaration on or before November 1.
A Town Meeting was held on August 29 to consider adopting an ordinance where Farm Buildings will be exempt up to $100,000 per building. If that ordinance was adopted, applications will need to be filed with the Assessor by November 1 as well.
Farm, Forest or Open Space Use Classification: New owners of real estate qualified as farm, forest or open space land must make application for the designation as such to the Assessor between September 1 and October 31 and to be applicable on the current October 1 Grand List, which will be billed next July.
Veterans of any declared war period and current active-duty military having not previously filed for an exemption must provide an original or certified copy of their Honorable Discharge or current orders or affidavit to the Suffield Town Clerk by September 30 to be eligible for a minimum exemption of $3,000 deducted from the assessed value of real estate or a motor vehicle. Each current member of the United States armed forces (including Reserves and National Guard) is also eligible for the exemption from taxes of one motor vehicle upon application.
Veterans with VA disability ratings must submit proof of the rating to the Assessor for an increased exemption benefit. Proof needs to be supplied one time, unless the rating is changed. Disabled veterans age 65 or older are entitled to an exemption equal to that of a 100% disabled veteran upon providing proof of age to the Assessor.
NEW for October 1 Grand List: Veterans who are considered to be totally and permanently disabled due solely to a service-connected disability will be fully exempt from property tax on their primary dwelling or motor vehicle upon providing proof to the Assessor.
The new legislation is Public Act 24-46, An Act Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for Veterans Who Have a Service-Connected Permanent and Total Disability Rating. It takes effect October 1 and will impact Real Estate tax bills starting in July 2025.
The exemption applies to a dwelling that is owned by an eligible service member and is their primary residence. If an eligible service member does not own a home, the exemption will apply to one motor vehicle owned by the service member.
To qualify, the former service member must have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, or Space Force; have a service-connected permanent and total disability rating as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; reside in Connecticut; and provide proof to the town assessor via a VA benefit letter. Additionally Honorable Discharge or current orders or affidavit proving active military service must be on file with the Suffield Town Clerk by September 30 to be eligible for any veteran benefit.
The Assessor’s Office is located at Town Hall, 83 Mountain Rd, and is open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you have any questions, email ltrase@suffieldct.gov or call the office at 860-668-3866.