Connecticut House Bill HB05373

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/15
• Refer: 1/14/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Property Tax Assessed On A Primary Residence Owned For Forty Or More Years.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it would change the dynamics of tax liability for homeowners who have maintained the same primary residence for four decades. Homeowners will find relief from steep property tax increases that can occur with rising market values, as their tax assessments would reflect historical values rather than current market rates. This measure could enhance housing stability and ensure that older adults have the ability to age in place without excessive financial strain from escalating taxes.

Summary

House Bill 05373 proposes amendments to the property tax regulations concerning primary residences owned for forty years or more. The primary objective of the bill is to ease the financial burden of property taxes on long-term homeowners by allowing them to have their property tax assessed based on the value of their home at the time of purchase, adjusting only for improvements made thereafter. This approach targets senior homeowners and long-term residents who might face increasing tax bills as property values rise, potentially jeopardizing their ability to remain in their homes.

Contention

Discussions around HB 05373 may reflect differing opinions on property tax reforms. Proponents of the bill likely argue that it serves a vital function in protecting vulnerable home-owning demographics, particularly in regions where housing prices have seen rapid increases. However, there may also be concerns from those who fear that such tax concessions could lead to reduced funding for community services or exacerbate disparities in how property taxes are distributed across different parts of the state.