Updated 10 May 2023:
While some colonies (now states) had multiple taxes that were gathered specifically in support of the War, only one has been identified in Connecticut. During most of the War, Connecticut towns gathered taxes for the running of government as they always had. In some cases, they allocated a specific portion for the support of the Army. You can find out when and where this occurred by reading the town meeting records of the town where your ancestor resided.
The question of DAR/SAR qualifications based on these taxes is a complicated one. When these taxes were paid, it wasn’t stated that the money would be going to the Army. It was allocated afterwards. Therefore, it’s less clear whether someone with loyalist leanings would have objected to paying them. We’re still waiting for a ruling from DAR or SAR on this matter. If you do decide to submit taxes as service from Connecticut, be sure to find a secondary source.
How do you document that your ancestor paid these taxes? You’ll need to access and copy two sets of documents. First, you’ll need to access the section of the town meeting records that indicates the allocation of this money. In most cases, the town meeting records are held at either the State Library or the office of the local town clerk. If you can’t locate them, the State Library should be able to help. Second, you’ll need to access the grand list, the document that indicates your ancestor paid taxes that year. Many have not survived, but those that have are generally in the office of the town clerk.
There is one tax that has been identified as a Connecticut supply tax. In 1780, those who had paid taxes were asked to supply beef for the Army or currency for its purchase. That tax should be considered qualifying for DAR or SAR. The majority of those records have yet to be located – but they should exist.