Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in New London County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in New London County

In New London County, property tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value of a parcel by the applicable millage rates. The assessed value is determined by the town’s assessor, who appraises the market value of the property as of the assessment date (typically January 1). The assessor then applies the statutory assessment ratio—generally 70 % of market value for residential land and 100 % for commercial land—to arrive at the taxable value.

Millage rates are expressed in mills, where one mill equals one‑tenth of one percent ( $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value). Each municipality, school district, and special taxing authority (e.g., fire district, water district) sets its own millage. The sum of all applicable mills is the “total millage rate” for the property. For example, a home assessed at $150,000 with a combined rate of 20 mills would owe $3,000 in property tax for the year ($150,000 ÷ 1,000 × 20).

Available Exemptions

Connecticut offers several exemptions that can lower the taxable value before the millage is applied. Eligibility varies by town, but the following are the most common statewide programs:

• Homestead Exemption (Section 8‑71(c)): Provides a $5,000 reduction in assessed value for owner‑occupied residential properties.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents age 65 or older may qualify for an additional $5,000 (or higher, depending on the municipality) reduction if they meet income limits.
• Disability Exemption: Persons with a qualifying disability can receive a $5,000 reduction, with some towns offering larger credits for severe disabilities.
• Veteran Exemption: Eligible veterans of the U.S. armed forces receive a $5,000 reduction; surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty may also qualify.

Exemptions are applied automatically by the assessor when the required documentation is on file. Homeowners should verify that their exemption status is current each year, especially after a change in ownership, marital status, or income.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

New London County follows the standard Connecticut property‑tax calendar. The total liability is divided into two installments:

• First installment: Due by March 31. Paying the full amount by this date eliminates interest charges.
• Second installment: Due by September 30. If the first installment is paid on time, only the balance is due.

Many municipalities offer an additional “quarterly” option that spreads the bill over four equal payments (January, April, July, October). Late payments incur a statutory interest penalty of 2 % per annum, plus a $10 administrative fee for each missed deadline. Persistent delinquency can lead to a tax lien, foreclosure, or loss of the property’s right of redemption.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over‑assessed, you have the right to contest the valuation before the Board of Assessors (or Board of Finance, depending on the town). Follow these steps:

• File a Notice of Appeal: Submit a written notice to the town’s Assessor’s Office within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice.
• Gather Evidence: Compile recent sales of comparable properties, independent appraisals, and any documentation of physical defects or improvements.
• Attend a Hearing: The board will schedule a public hearing where you can present your evidence. You may be represented by an attorney or a qualified tax consultant.
• Decision & Further Review: The board issues its decision in writing, typically within 30 days of the hearing. If the decision is unsatisfactory, you may appeal to the Connecticut Superior Court within 30 days of the board’s written ruling.

Timely filing and a well‑prepared presentation are critical. Most successful appeals result in a reduced assessed value, directly lowering your tax bill for the current year and future assessments.