Homestead Declaration Penalty Notice

 Property owners of Woodstock:

The State of Vermont mandates that all residents who own and occupy a home astheir principal dwelling must file a homestead declaration on or before April15 each year. This is done by completing a Vermont Form HS-122. Through thehomestead declaration, you will declare your property as a primary residence(homestead) or a secondary residence (nonhomestead). This information is how the state sets the education tax rates.

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 thatthey are fulfilling this requirement. Note: If you get an extension on yourtax return, the extension does not apply to the homestead declaration. It mustbe completed by April 15.

To help keep tax bills lower and ensure everyone pays the correct amount, Woodstock will begin assessing a penalty on tax bills belonging to propertyowners who do not file the homestead declaration on time. Property owners whomiss the April 15 deadline, or do not file at all, will have a penalty of 3%applied to their total education tax. This change goes into effect immediatelyand will impact the tax bills sent this September (covering the period of July1, 2026, through June 30, 2027). Please be sure to complete your homesteaddeclaration by April 15, 2026.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need any
assistance. Our Finance Department can be reached at (802) 457-3456 x1 orawohler@townofwoodstock.org<mailto:awohler@townofwoodstock.org>.

Homestead declarations can be filled out online at:
myvtax.vermont.gov<https://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), you are welcome to stop by Town Hall to pick one up.

Eric Duffy
Municipal Manager

The Woodstock Selectboard Works For You

The Woodstock Selectboard has been working tirelessly to serve the community, dedicating long hours to addressing local concerns, managing budgets, and planning for the town’s future. From carefully reviewing infrastructure needs to listening to residents’ voices at meetings, their efforts reflect a strong commitment to transparency and thoughtful decision-making. Balancing competing priorities is no small task, yet they continue to collaborate, problem-solve, and push forward initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life in Woodstock. Their persistence and attention to detail highlight just how demanding—and important—their role truly is.