House Republican Press Release

February 6, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Harkins Seeks to Halt Tax on Pensions, Social Security

Also Looks to Expand Tax Freeze for Seniors

HARTFORD- State Representative John Harkins (R-Stratford) testified this week before the Select Committee on Aging in support of legislation that would exempt certain filers from the personal income tax on pensions and Social Security.  The measure, HB 5541, An Act Concerning a Phase Out of the Personal Income Tax on Pensions and Social Security would exempt pensions and Social Security after a three year phase out period. 

“Connecticut is just one of four states that do not provide a tax break on seniors’ pensions, and one of only five states that offers no tax break on military pensions,” said Representative Harkins.  “I believe we can all agree that our seniors have worked for too long and too hard to have the state tax their pensions as income.”

Harkins also testified in support of legislation before the Aging Committee which would expand last year’s elderly property tax freeze to include more eligible seniors.  The bill, HB 5542, An Act Concerning Eligibility for Elderly Property Tax Relief, would reduce the current age of eligibility from seventy years of age to sixty-five years of age, and increase the income eligibility limits for individuals by $10,000 and married couples by $10,000.   Current levels are $27,700 for individuals and $33,900 for married couple adjusted annually for inflation.

“Right now we in Connecticut are facing rising energy costs, increasing property taxes, and increasing healthcare costs,” said Harkins.  “For seniors on fixed income, it is even more difficult to make ends meet under these conditions.  We need to take action this session to offer meaningful relief to our seniors while working on the solutions to these increased burdens on Connecticut taxpayers and ratepayers.”