Guide to Assessment Exemption & Benefits

Veteran's Exemptions
Blind Exemption
Social Security Disability Exemption
In-Service Motor Vehicle Exemption
Specially Adapted Motor Vehicle Exemption
Circuit Breaker Program
Town Elderly Program and Deferral Program

Veteran's Exemption

A person making an application for the regular veteran's exemption under §12-81(19) must be as of the October 1st assessment date:

A Darien, CT resident
Either the record owner of, hold life use in, or be the beneficiary of a trust estate with respect to the property on which the exemption will be applied.
Have provided the town clerk with a copy of the honorable discharge form (DD-214) by September 30th.
Have served at least 90 days during a time of war or recognized military conflict. See the Periods of War for eligibility. Please note: 100% disabled veterans do not have to meet the 90-day requirement.

Local Veteran's Exemption (No Income Required)

If you qualify for the above exemption you automatically qualify for this exemption. This exemption is not reimbursed by the State and is by Town ordinance.

Disabled Veteran Exemption (No Income Required)

The state also provides for additional exemptions to disabled veterans and it is determined by the percentage of disability a veteran may have. A copy of the disability rating slip from the United States Veterans Administration must be provided to the Assessor by October 1st. A portion of this exemption is reimbursed by the State Of Connecticut to the Town of Darien.

State Additional Veteran's Exemption (Income Requirement)

Veterans must meet the basic criteria and also the State income limits. The State's 2023 income requirements are $53,400 for a married couple and $43,800 for a single person. This exemption doubles the basic assessment exemption. This exemption is reimbursed by the State of Connecticut to the Town of Darien.

The filing period is February 1 to October 1, 2024, and it will be applicable to the grand list year 2024 (effective July 2025 tax bill)

Fill out the application and submit it along with your proof of income to the Assessor's office. Applicants must file every year.

Note: Totally disabled veterans don't need to include Social Security in their income.

Local Additional Veteran's Exemption (Income Requirement)

Per the RTM meeting of October 23rd of 2017.

Veterans must meet the basic criteria and the following 2023 income limits: $78,400 for a married couple and $68,800 for a single person. The exemption is a 10% reduction on their Net Assessment.

This exemption is not reimbursed by the State and is by Town ordinance.
The filing period is February 1 to October 1, 2024, and it will be applicable to the grand list year 2024 (effective July 2025 tax bill)
Fill out this application and submit it along with your proof of income to the Assessor's office. Applicants must file every year.

Note: 100% of disabled veterans don't need to include Social Security in their income.

Surviving Spouse Rights

The surviving spouse of any person, who at the time of such person's death was entitled to and had the exemption, shall be entitled to the same exemption.

Blind Exemption

Any individual that presents verification from a physician that he/she is considered to be legally blind may be eligible for a $3,000 exemption if filed prior to October 1. This exemption is not reimbursed by the State.

Social Security Disability Exemption

An individual who receives a disability pension from Social Security Administration and has been designated by the SSA is eligible for a $1000 exemption. To qualify you must file a copy of your "Award Letter" that states disability along with this Totally Disabled Tax Exemption (PDF) prior to October 1. This exemption is reimbursed by the State to the Town of Darien.

Motor Vehicle Exemption for those currently serving in the Armed Forces

A member of the armed forces who is currently on active duty may be eligible to have one passenger motor vehicle exempt from property tax. To qualify, the individual must submit a form annually with his/her commanding officer's signature confirming "on active duty" and has the vehicle garaged with him/her. Download and print out a Military Active Service (PDF).

Specially Adapted Motor Vehicle Exemption

Any motor vehicle specially equipped or modified in a significant way for the purpose of transporting medically incapacitated individuals, including but not limited to the inclusion of special hand controls, lifts, ramps, the equipping of stretchers or other special seating, and significant modifications to accommodate medical equipment such as oxygen or mechanical respirators is eligible for a total exemption.

Applicants must complete this Specially Equipped Vehicles Exemption Application (PDF) annually by October 3rd.

Tax Relief for Senior Citizens

Homeowners State Program For Elderly and Disabled Taxpayers

Any taxpayer who is 65 years of age by the end of the calendar year preceding the filing period (or Totally disabled regardless of age and can provide a TPQY Form from Social Security), owns and occupies a home in Darien, and meets certain income guidelines, may be eligible for elderly/disabled tax relief under the Homeowners State Program. Depending upon their income, qualified applicants generally receive 10% to 50% off their tax bills. The benefit received by the taxpayer is reimbursed by the State of Connecticut to the Town. The income guidelines for the 2023 year are:

Single $43,800
Married $53,400

You must present proof of income (2023 Social Security SSA-1099 statement and All Pages of the 2023 Federal Income Tax Return) and file between February 1st and May 15th, 2024 applicable to the July 2024 tax bill. To continue the benefit of the program, you must re-file every year. Download and print out an M-35H Owners Application (PDF).

Darien Local Elderly Program

Darien has a local program for our elderly as well. The income guidelines for the 2023 year are as follows:

Single = $52,800
Married = $62,400

You must present proof of income (2023 Social Security SSA-1099 and All Pages of the 2023 Federal Income Tax Return) and file between February 1st and May 15th, 2024 applicable to the July 2024 tax bill. To continue the benefit of the program, you must re-file every year.

Deferral Program

Darien also extends this program within a special local option deferral program. Pursuant to the RTM resolution 2004. Download the Application for Deferral (PDF) which needs to be filled out, signed, and returned to the Assessor's Office by May 15, 2024.

Deferral Income Level

Single = $72,800
Married = $82,400

Remember: Apply from February 1 to May 15, 2024. Please bring your 2023 Federal Income Tax Return (all pages) and 2023 Social Security Statement (SSA-1099) to Assessor's Office to apply.