Gary Turco

Over the past few years, we've heard from residents across the state that Connecticut's cost of living was too high for seniors. That is why last year the Connecticut General Assembly included a tax exemption for Social Security income and phased in a tax exemption on pension income in the state budget.

How does it work? The state Department of Revenue Services recently released guidelines on what this exemption means for filers and how they can apply it. Read it here.

If you need help this tax season, the Internal Revenue Service provides free tax return preparation through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Middle- and low-income filers can also get free tax preparation through AARP's Tax-Aide Program.

The last day to file your income tax return is April 15. If you are unable to file by the deadline, you can apply for a 6-month extension. Find more information here.