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— State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107) along with their House Republican colleagues today 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.
The Newtown legislators stood with House Republican leadership as they outlined a plan, and were joined by municipal officials whose constituents face financial pressure from property tax hikes driven by revaluation. The plan 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.
"We should provide relief for taxpayers as Connecticut runs budget surpluses. Excess money should be put toward the largest property tax credit expansion in state history. This would provide a true solution to the affordability problem plaguing our state," said Rep. Foncello.
“Here in Newtown, families are feeling the squeeze from higher costs, and recent property revaluations have only added to that pressure,” said Rep. Mitch Bolinsky. “This plan delivers meaningful relief to middle-class taxpayers who need it most, especially our seniors and working families trying to keep up with rising expenses. Instead of stockpiling surplus money in another government fund, we’re choosing to give it back to the people who earned it.”
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 Republican tax relief plan would use $501 million from the $1.9 billion in volatile revenue that’s targeted by Democrats who are plotting yet another off-budget fund.
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.