FAQ
What is the assessment date?October 1st of every year, per Connecticut General Statutes. back to top
What is an assessment?An assessment is the value placed on a property appearing on the Grand List. It is the basis upon which the property tax levy is distributed among the property owners in a community. In order to determine the tax liability of a particular property, the property assessment is multiplied by the municipality's mill rate.
How is the tax rate established?The tax rate, or mill rate, is established annually by the elected Town Council through the adoption of the town's budget. This process of establishing the tax rate begins with the preparation of the Town Manager's Proposed Budget and concludes with the Town Council's adoption of the budget and mill rate.
What is the fair market value of my real estate and who determines it?Fair market value is a legal term defined by the courts as the most probable price which a property would bring on the open market, given prudent, knowledgeable and willing buyers and sellers. Fair market value is the standard by which the fairness of all assessments are judged.
Who determines the value of my vehicle?The Legislature mandates that the entire State of Connecticut determine the values of the motor vehicles based on 70% of the retail value in the New England Edition of the NADA book, not the Kelley Blue Book. All vehicles throughout the State are valued the same way and come to the Assessor’s Office already priced by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Assessor’s office DOES NOT assess each and every registered vehicle individually. back to top
What if I disagree with the assessment of my property?The Board of Assessment Appeals which is comprised of 3 private citizens meet twice a year to hear appeals for those disputing their assessments. The September meeting is usually held on a Saturday and is exclusively for motor vehicles only. The March meetings are determined annually by the number of individuals that wish to appeal and are open for any type of property appeal, real estate, motor vehicle and personal property. For the March meetings, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes, applications to meet before the Board must be filed with the Town Assessor no later than February 20th. Failure to comply with this requirement constitutes a waiver to meet with the Board for that year. back to top
What guidelines must the assessor follow?Connecticut General Statutes (primarily Title 12) and the relevant case law (which assists in interpreting these statutes) govern assessment procedures and practices. In addition, the State of Connecticut Office of Policy & Management, Intergovernmental Policy Division, prescribes regulations and issues administrative pronouncements dealing with the administration of statutes related to assessment practices. All aspects of assessment work is dictated by Connecticut General Statutes.
How can I determine if my assessment is fair?In order to judge the fairness of your assessment, two questions should be asked. First, does the assessment represent 70% of the probable selling price as of the date of the assessment? Second, is my assessment similar to comparable properties in Town?
Are there any exemptions and/or benefits available for individuals who are veterans, blind, disabled or elderly?There are various programs and benefits available. Please refer to the Tax Relief section of our webpage
Whom do I contact if I have questions about my assessment?By telephone you can reach the Assessor's Office at (860) 285-1817. Or, click here to email a question.
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