EAST PROVIDENCE — A local ordinance expanding on a state statute allowing more East Providence service-connected disabled veterans to gain tax exemptions was recently passed and will be implemented in time for the 2023 levy.

The ordinance was introduced by Council President and Ward 1 member Bob Britto along with At-Large member Bob Rodericks in concert with the office of Mayor Bob DaSilva and city tax assessor. The council approved the measure at its October 18 meeting.

The ordinance was written after implementation of House Bill H7349 and Senate Bill S2955 during the 2022 General Assembly session. Majority Whip and Rep. Katherine Kazarian, Rep. Gregg Amore, Rep. Liana Cassar and Rep. Brianna Henries co-sponsored the bill in the house. Sen. Val Lawson shepherded the bill in the upper chamber.

The ordinance enables the city to expand its disabled veterans’ exemption to more eligible East Providence residents who have been designated service-connected disabled veterans.

In the past, state law allowed for veterans who were 100 percent total service-connected to receive an exemption.

Now, the city offers an exemption for veterans who have been evaluated by the the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and have a service-connected disability of less than 100 percent. This exemption cannot be combined with any current veterans’ exemptions. Applicants are eligible starting with the 2023 tax bills and must apply by May 25, 2023 to receive the exemption on the 2023 tax bill.

· Applicant must be an East Providence resident and own and occupy a residential property as your primary residence.

· Applicant must fill out an application with Assessor’s Office, must be honorably discharged and submit (along with the application) a letter from the USDVA that indicates that they have been evaluated and have a service-connected disability with an overall rating of less than 100 percent.

· Based on the received rating, veterans will fall into one of the three categories below and receive the exemption amount mentioned.

Tax Classification Tiers for Service Connected Disabled Veterans Less than 100% Disabled (amounts based on 2022 Tax Rate subject to change ever Revaluation cycle per RIGL 44-3-24)

Tier 1: VA Disability Rating % between 0%-30% Valuation Reduction $10,725 ($234.45 Tax Credit)

Tier 2: VA Disability Rating % between 31%-60% Valuation Reduction $13,200 ($288.55 Tax Credit)

Tier 3: VA Disability Rating % between 61%-99% Valuation Reduction $15,675 ($342.66 Tax Credit)

These amounts are not in addition to the regular veterans exemption, if you currently receive that and now qualify under the new law your amount with be upgraded.