Council approves $350 retroactive veteran tax credit after resident testimony

The North Smithfield Town Council approved a one-time $350 retroactive veteran exemption credit for tax year 2024 after hearing testimony from a resident who said he believed closing counsel had submitted his military documentation.

At a public hearing, town staff explained the exemption application rules: to qualify for the exemption for a given tax year the property owner must be listed as the owner on Dec. 31 and a completed application typically must be in the assessor’s office by that date. Town staff noted that some tangible-property forms are extended to March 15 under state law; however, the town had no exemption application on file for the year in question. The resident, who identified himself as Mike Tassoni, said he submitted a National Guard form (NGB-22) at closing and that his closing attorney led him to expect the form had been filed.

Councilmembers debated whether a narrow exception should be made given the resident’s military service and the administrative confusion. A council member moved to grant the resident a $350 tax credit for 2024; the motion was seconded and approved on roll call. Staff said the resident will receive the credit on the next bill cycle and the exemption will apply going forward, and that changes to the ordinance would be required to allow routine prorating or year-round acceptance of late applications.

The council did not change the filing deadline during the meeting; instead it made a case-by-case exception in this instance and directed staff to process the credit.