Connecticut Property Taxes are one of the most important — and sometimes confusing — parts of homeownership in the state. Whether you’re a new homeowner, a real estate investor, or someone researching relocation costs, understanding Connecticut property tax rates, assessments, and local mill rates is key to predicting your annual housing expenses. Property taxes in Connecticut are set and collected at the municipal (town or city) level, meaning towns like Greenwich, Hartford, Stamford, and New Haven each determine their own mill rates — the multiplier that converts a property’s assessed value into an actual tax bill. Connecticut’s average property tax rate is among the highest in the United States, largely due to heavy reliance on local taxes to fund public schools, municipal services, and infrastructure. In this guide, you’ll learn how property taxes are calculated in Connecticut, how assessments work, why mill rates differ across towns, and tips to reduce your tax burden or appeal your assessment when possible.
How Connecticut Property Taxes Are Calculated
Connecticut property tax bills are determined using a simple formula:Property Tax=(Assessed Value÷1,000)×Mill Rate
Let’s break that down:
- Assessed Value: This is 70% of your property’s fair market value, as determined by your local assessor.
- Mill Rate: One mill equals one-tenth of a cent (or $1 in tax for every $1,000 of assessed value).
- Example: If your home is worth $300,000, its assessed value is $210,000. If your town’s mill rate is 32 mills, your tax would be 210,000/1,000×32=$6,720.
Who Sets The Property Tax Rates In Connecticut?
Every city and town in Connecticut controls its own mill rate, which the local government sets annually during the municipal budget process. The town’s Board of Finance or Town Council reviews overall spending needs — funding for schools, fire and police departments, public works, and community programs. They then adjust the mill rate upward or downward to balance the budget.
Because of this, tax rates vary significantly from town to town. Wealthier towns with high property values often have lower mill rates, while smaller towns or cities with higher service costs may have higher rates to meet local funding needs.
Why Connecticut’s Property Taxes Are So High
Connecticut consistently ranks near the top in national property tax comparisons, but there’s a reason. Unlike some states that fund schools or social programs through state-level income taxes, Connecticut relies heavily on local property taxes to support public education and public safety. That means communities shoulder larger shares of total expenses through real estate tax revenue.
Add in high property values, strong municipal service expectations, and limited state reimbursements — and you get the state’s famously steep bills.
Property Assessments: How Your Home’s Value Is Determined
Each Connecticut municipality revalues properties on a set schedule — usually every five years. During this revaluation process, assessors estimate each property’s current fair market value based on recent sales data, location, and property characteristics (like size, condition, and improvements).
Key facts about assessments:
- The assessed value is always 70% of the fair market value by law.
- You can appeal your property assessment if you believe it’s too high.
- Significant home renovations can increase assessments between revaluation cycles.
If you feel your local assessor overstated your property’s worth, you can file a Board of Assessment Appeals request with your town to review your valuation.
The Role Of Exemptions And Credits
Certain property owners in Connecticut qualify for property tax exemptions or credits that lower the bill. Examples include:
- Homeowner’s Property Tax Credit (for income-qualified residents aged 65+ or permanently disabled)
- Veterans’ exemptions for those who served in the armed forces
- Farm and forest land exemptions under special use programs
- Local senior tax relief programs available in certain towns
Always check with your local assessor’s office or the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management to see which exemptions apply in your area.
How To Reduce Your Property Tax Bill
While you can’t control your town’s mill rate, you can take steps to manage your tax burden:
- Verify your assessment accuracy after each revaluation cycle.
- Apply for exemptions or credits if eligible.
- Challenge unfair property classifications or square footage errors.
- Keep improvement permits honest — undeclared renovations can lead to reassessments later.
- Attend local budget hearings to understand spending decisions that drive rate changes.
How Connecticut Compares To Other States
On average, Connecticut’s effective property tax rate sits around 2%, making it one of the highest nationwide — nearly double the U.S. average. Towns like Hartford and New Haven often have mill rates above 40, while affluent towns like Darien or Greenwich may hover closer to 12–17 mills. That gap highlights how strongly local wealth and budgets influence property tax rates across the state.
Why Property Taxes Matter To Homebuyers
If you’re considering buying a home in Connecticut, property taxes can make a big difference in affordability. Two houses may have identical prices but drastically different annual tax bills depending on their town. That’s why smart buyers factor mill rates, school quality, and municipal budgets into decision-making — not just list price or mortgage rate.
FAQs
How Are Property Taxes Calculated In Connecticut?
Property taxes in Connecticut are based on your property’s assessed value (70% of market value) multiplied by your town’s mill rate.
Why Are Connecticut Property Taxes So High?
Because local governments rely heavily on property taxes to fund public schools and services, rates are higher than in many other states.
Can I Appeal My Property Tax Bill?
Yes, you can appeal your property’s assessment with your local Board of Assessment Appeals if you believe the value is inaccurate.
Do Seniors Get Any Property Tax Relief In Connecticut?
Yes. Qualified seniors and disabled homeowners may receive property tax credits or exemptions under state and local programs.