Property owners of Woodstock:
The State of Vermont mandates that all residents who own and occupy a home as their principal dwelling must file a homestead declaration on or before April 15 each year. This is done by completing a Vermont Form HS-122. Through the homestead declaration, you will declare your property as a primary residence (homestead) or a secondary residence (non-homestead). This information is how the state sets the education tax rates.
If this is sounding unfamiliar to you, it is possible that your accountant already files this form on your behalf when completing your income tax return. Please check with them to be sure that they are fulfilling this requirement. Note: If you get an extension on your tax return, the extension does not apply to the homestead declaration. It must be completed by April 15.
In keeping consistent with other municipalities, Woodstock will begin assessing a penalty on tax bills belonging to property owners who do not file the homestead declaration timely. For those people who miss the April 15 deadline, or do not file at all, a penalty of 3% will be applied to your total education tax. This change goes into effect immediately. It will impact the tax bills being sent out this upcoming September (which covers the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027). So, please be sure to complete your homestead declaration by April 15, 2026.
We would like to help you avoid this newly implemented penalty, so please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need any assistance. The finance specialist, Ashley, can be reached at (802) 457-3456 x1 or awohler@townofwoodstock.org.
Homestead declarations can be filled out online at: myvtax.vermont.gov
You can find step-by-step instructions at: https://tax.vermont.gov/myvtax/homestead-declaration-property-tax-credit
If you would prefer to fill out a paper form (HS-122), the assessors will have copies printed out. You are welcome to stop by Town Hall to pick one up.