Homeowners face October 15 deadline for homestead declarations and property tax filings

Vermont homeowners are reminded that the deadline for filing homestead declarations is approaching. Residents must submit their homestead declaration by April 15 when filing their income taxes. However, for those who miss this date, there is an extension available until October 15 to file the declaration, provided they have completed the necessary paperwork.

During a recent meeting, officials discussed the importance of this filing process, which includes submitting a second document known as the property tax bridal. This document has a different deadline, pushed back to March 15, allowing homeowners additional time to complete their filings. This change was made a few years ago to streamline the process and was supported by the tax department.

Homeowners should be aware that if they file their homestead declaration by the October 15 deadline, they have an additional six months to file or amend the property tax bridal. However, missing the October 15 deadline means they will not have another opportunity to file the homestead declaration until the next tax season.

This clarification aims to help residents navigate the filing process effectively and avoid potential penalties. As the deadline approaches, homeowners are encouraged to ensure their filings are complete to take full advantage of the available tax benefits.