Connecticut Property Tax Guide 2025

Connecticut has some of the highest property taxes in the nation, with an average effective rate of 2.15%. The median annual tax bill is about $6,200. With no county government, Connecticut's 169 towns each set their own mill rate — and the variation is dramatic.

How CT Property Taxes Work

Connecticut uses mill rates — the tax per $1,000 of assessed value. One mill = $1 per $1,000. A mill rate of 30 means you pay $30 for every $1,000 of assessed value.

Properties are assessed at 70% of fair market value. So a home worth $400,000 has an assessed value of $280,000. At a mill rate of 30, that's $8,400 in annual taxes.

Towns conduct full revaluations every 5 years (with a physical inspection revaluation every 10 years). Between revaluations, your assessment generally stays fixed unless you make improvements.

Mill Rates by Major Town

Mill rates applied to 70% of fair market value. Hartford's high rate reflects a smaller tax base, not necessarily higher bills.

Why CT Rates Vary So Much

Connecticut has no county government — towns fund everything from schools to roads independently. Towns with large commercial/industrial tax bases (like Greenwich and Stamford) enjoy low residential rates. Cities with high service costs and lower property values (Hartford, Waterbury) have some of the highest mill rates in the nation.

Exemptions & Tax Relief

• Elderly Homeowners (65+): Income-based property tax credit — qualifying income varies by town, typically under $40,000-$50,000 for singles
• Disabled Homeowners: Same program as elderly, available regardless of age with qualifying disability
• Veterans: Basic $1,000 exemption from assessed value; increased to $3,000 for disabled veterans. Additional local option exemptions available.
• Blind Homeowners: $3,000 assessment exemption
• State Circuit Breaker: Renters and homeowners 65+ with income under ~$45,400 (married) can get up to $1,250 back
• PA 490 (Farm/Forest/Open Space): Reduced assessment for agricultural land, forest land, and open space

How to Appeal Your Assessment

1. Board of Assessment Appeals: File by February 20 (or March 20 in revaluation years). Each town has a board that hears appeals — informal process, bring comparable sales.
2. Superior Court: If denied, you can appeal to Superior Court within 2 months of the board's decision. Requires formal legal proceedings.

Pro tip: Appeals are most successful in revaluation years when values change significantly. Focus on comparable sales within your neighborhood — Connecticut assessors rely heavily on the sales comparison approach.

The 70% Assessment Ratio

Don't be confused by your assessment being "low" — it's supposed to be 70% of market value. When checking if your assessment is fair, multiply it by 1.43 to get the implied market value. If that number is significantly higher than what your home would actually sell for, you may have grounds for appeal.

Key Dates

• October 1: Grand List date (assessment snapshot)
• January: Assessment notices mailed (revaluation years)
• February 20: Deadline for Board of Assessment Appeals
• July 1: First installment due
• January 1: Second installment due
• Some towns have quarterly billing: July 1, Oct 1, Jan 1, April 1