Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti announced that Ansonia residents who are non-ambulatory may be eligible to receive a tax exemption on their motor vehicles.
The city’s Aldermen authorized the tax break — which exempts from local property taxes “any ambulance-type motor vehicle which is used exclusively for the purpose of transportating any medically incapacitated individual” — unanimously at their regular meeting last month.
A state law allows cities to grant such tax exemptions.
In a prepared statement, Cassetti said the move is in line with his tax-cutting philosophy.
“This new tax break will help our non-ambulatory residents receive a full exemption on the vehicles they purchase that have been modified to accommodate their needs,” Cassetti said. “This is a tax exemption that just makes good sense. Disabled individuals require specialized vehicles to enable them to drive or be transported. They should not be assessed the same as those of us who do not need to make modifications just to travel.”
The exemption applies to any vehicles that have been altered from their original condition to suit the needs of a disabled person, such as special ramps, hand controls, etc., according to the city.
The exemption does not apply to leased vehicles, and the modifications to vehicles must be permanent.
In the statement, Cassetti said disabled individuals must provide proof of modifications and or have the vehicle inspected by Marsha Benno, the City of Ansonia’s Tax Assessor.
Residents can reach the assessor’s office at 203 – 736-5903.
