CT House GOP Proposes Historic Property Tax Relief Plan
Key Takeaways
- Lawmakers propose middle-class property tax cuts to reduce the burden on Connecticut's homeowners
- Connecticut House Republicans propose targeted relief to lower residential tax bills
- Proposal includes exemptions/credits for qualifying middle-income homeowners
- Will provide relief & improve affordability while shielding families from tax hikes
HARTFORD—House Republicans on Tuesday proposed the largest expansion of Connecticut's property tax credit in state history, increasing the maximum credit to $1,000 and growing eligibility for additional relief to more than 800,000 residents.
House Republicans outlined their plan at a Legislative Office Building news conference, joined by municipal officials whose constituents face financial pressure from property tax hikes driven by property revaluation. The caucus developed the middle-class tax relief plan after Democrats announced they would raid $500 million in state surplus funds during an anticipated November special session for an off-budget fund to prepare for the speculated impact of federal funding changes that won't be fully understood until next year.
"Property taxes are one of the issues I most frequently hear about from all across my district," said Rep. Billy Buckbee (R-New Milford) "Providing a measure of tax relief from these surplus funds makes sense and can help address the overall issue of affordability in our state. "
Under the Republican plan, every qualifying taxpayer would see an increase in their credit. The proposal raises the maximum credit from $300 to $1,000 and sets a minimum credit of $400 for eligible filers. It also increases income eligibility thresholds by about $20,000 for single filers and $30,000 for joint filers. The plan particularly benefits joint filers by raising the eligibility threshold from $130,500 to $200,000. Under current law, thousands of these filers receive only the minimum $30 credit—or nothing at all. Overall, more than 800,000 filers would see more relief.
The $700 increase to the maximum property tax credit offered by Republicans contrasts sharply with Governor Lamont's 2025 proposal—a $50 increase that was ultimately ignored by Democrats in their final $55 billion two-year budget adopted in June.
