Veteran Exemption

Veteran Benefits 

Veterans’ Services announces the deadline for the veterans’ exemptions eligibility. Any person having served anywhere after August 2, 1990, for 90 days or more of active service and has been honorably discharged or is a member of the military who is currently serving honorably, are now eligible for a veteran exemption. Members who are actively serving should contact the Bristol Assessor’s Office at (860) 584-6240 for details concerning needed documentation. Veterans discharged after August 2, 1990, and who previously filed their DD214, must contact the Bristol Assessor’s Office in order to activate this exemption.

Active duty Veteran exemptions:

As of July 1, 2008, any active member of the armed forces is entitled to the full exemption of one motor vehicle, regardless of the location of his or her vehicle. The definition of armed forces is the Unites States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and any reserve component thereof, including the Connecticut National Guard performing duty. Click the following links for the appropriate application.

Active-duty exemption application must be processed prior to December 31st of the year, following the original billing date.

Note: Effective October 1, 2009, the dates for Operation Earnest Will have been changed to the period of July 24, 1987, to August 1, 1990.

Discharge Paper Requirements

Veterans who may be entitled to a tax exemption must have their DD214 discharge papers on file with the City Clerk’s Office on or before September 30 to receive an exemption for the October 1st annual grand list. Veterans who have previously recorded their discharge papers and are already receiving an exemption do not need to re-file.

Additionally, any veteran who has recently been honorably discharged, or moved to Bristol, and has 90 days or more of wartime service, must record their DD214 discharge papers with the City Clerk’s Office and bring a copy of the City Clerk recorded DD214 to the Assessor’s Office on or before September 30.

Additional Benefits

Veterans or their surviving spouse with an income less than $40,300 (single) or $49,100 (married) may qualify for additional benefits. Qualifying income means total gross income as determined for the purpose of the Federal Income Tax, plus Social Security and any other income not included in such adjusted gross income. Application for the additional veteran exemption must be completed at the Assessor’s Office no later than October 1, 2023.

Spouses of deceased veterans, who have not remarried, are also eligible for the same exemption for which the veteran was qualified.

 Disabled Veterans 

Connecticut disabled veterans who receive eligibility notices directly from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be entitled to property tax assessment exemptions ranging from $2,250 to $4,500 for service-related disabilities depending upon disability rating. In order to receive this exemption, the veteran must file Form 20-5455 with the Assessor’s Office prior to the Board of Assessment Appeals completion of duties.

New legislation only requires the disabled veteran to file the initial Form 20-5455 to activate any applicable exemptions. It is no longer required to be filed every year, except in the event that the disability rating changes. Disabled veterans who have reached the age of 65 should notify their local Assessor’s Office of their date of birth.

More Information

Veterans in need of a Tax Exemption Notice from the VA may call the Newington Regional Office at (800) 827-1000 for a replacement form. For further information, call the Bristol Assessor's office at (860) 584-6240.