Assessor Clarifies Veterans Exemptions

In response to several inquiries by Newtown veterans, Assessor Denise Hames explained Wednesday that during a revaluation year such as this one in which the Grand List increases more than 50 percent, the veterans’ exemptions on their assessment doubles, per state statute, and that amount is applied to the Grand List.

For the 2001 Grand List, for example, veterans were given a $1,500 reduction on their assessments, which equaled a property tax reduction of $50.70. For the 2002 Grand List, veteran exemptions are $3,000, reducing their property tax by $73.20, assuming the projected mill rate of 24.4 is put into place. This reflects a 44 percent increase, or $22.50 more, in the regular veterans’ benefit.