Enfield to offer tax credit for older volunteers

Susan Danseyar, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·2 min read

Mar. 9—ENFIELD — Residents 65 and older who volunteer a minimum of 50 hours a year in Enfield will be able to earn an annual credit of $400 per household on real estate taxes.

The Town Council on Monday unanimously approved creating the tax-relief program and setting aside an additional $26,000 in the budget to fund it, as recommended by the Senior Tax Relief Committee.

The program applies to volunteer work for scientific, educational, historical, governmental, charitable, and nonprofit entities in Enfield — including serving on town boards and commissions — performed during fiscal year 2023-24 and thereafter.

In order to qualify for the credit, which will be applied to the tax bill due July 1 following the fiscal year in which the work is done, taxpayers must live in their Enfield homes as a primary residence.

Members of the Senior Tax Relief Committee attended the Town Council meeting to present their proposal, which they devised after considering such factors as the importance of aging in place, residents who are raising grandchildren, increased economic pressures, inflation, and the cost of living.

Dave Goyette said the program is an innovative way to reward older residents for their volunteer efforts and provide an incentive for others to consider volunteering more often.

"You have no idea how many seniors volunteer in this town," said Marlene Hoginski. "Without these people, there wouldn't be anything getting done."

The goal of the program is to establish another category above the prior income guidelines for the state's senior and disabled tax-relief program. Although the program should be reimbursed by the state, in 2021 the town did not receive reimbursement and paid $265,463 through its budget to cover the program obligation.

The Senior Tax Relief Committee advised expanding the new program to another income bracket between $49,101 and $60,000 and making the program completely funded by the town, which the Town Council unanimously approved on Monday.

Eligible couples for the new tax-relief program will be able to claim one credit for their household but can combine their volunteer hours.

Mayor Bob Cressotti said the Town Council understands the economic pressures of those living on fixed incomes, and hopes the program provides some much-needed relief for older residents in town who have been paying taxes and investing in Enfield for decades.

Application forms will be available online on the town's social media pages and in hard copy at the senior center and library.

Officials plan to schedule a meeting at the senior center to provide details on the program and answer questions.

For more coverage of Somers and Enfield, follow Susan Danseyar on Twitter: @susandanseyar, Facebook: Susan Danseyar, reporter.