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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Greater Bridgeport County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Greater Bridgeport County, CT. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.23% average effective rate (varies by municipality within Greater Bridgeport County)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Greater Bridgeport County, Connecticut operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local municipal services, public education, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency services across its six constituent municipalities. Property taxes in this region fund essential services including schools, police and fire departments, road maintenance, parks and recreation, and local government operations. The effective tax rate in Greater Bridgeport County averages 2.23% based on assessed property valuations, which is significantly higher than the statewide base rate of approximately 1%.

Property tax rates vary considerably by location within Greater Bridgeport County due to the presence of special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and varying local service levels. Each of the six municipalities within the planning region maintains its own assessment practices and millage rates, while also participating in regional services and school districts that can add additional assessments to property tax bills. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their specific location within the county and any applicable special district assessments for services such as fire protection, lighting districts, or municipal improvements.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
Base Municipal Levy1.80% - 2.10%Funds basic municipal services including administration, public safety, and infrastructure
School District Assessment0.25% - 0.45%Supports local and regional school district operations and capital improvements
Special Districts0.05% - 0.15%Variable assessments for fire districts, lighting, drainage, or other municipal improvements
Total Effective Rate2.23% (median)Combined rate varies by specific location within Greater Bridgeport County

Rates shown are for FY 2024-2025 levy year and represent the range across municipalities within Greater Bridgeport County. Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location and applicable special taxing districts. Contact your local municipal assessor for exact rates applicable to your specific address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Greater Bridgeport County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Greater Bridgeport County are triggered by changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or significant improvements that alter a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these changes occur, the assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values, applies the current tax rate, and issues a supplemental tax bill for the remaining portion of the fiscal year. This ensures that property taxes reflect current property values and ownership throughout the entire tax year rather than waiting until the next regular assessment cycle.

For example, if you purchase a home in Greater Bridgeport County that was previously assessed at $300,000 but now has a market value of $450,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill. The assessor would calculate the tax on the $150,000 difference ($150,000 × 2.23% = $3,345 annually) and prorate it for the remaining months in the fiscal year. If the purchase occurred in January with five months remaining in the tax year, your supplemental tax bill would be approximately $1,394 ($3,345 × 5/12 months). You must submit the completed tax return to your municipal clerk with payment as specified in your supplemental tax notice.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$558 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.23%
  • Annual Tax: $6,690 - $558 = $6,132
  • Monthly Escrow: $511

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$558 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.23%
  • Annual Tax: $13,380 - $558 = $12,822
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,069

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$558 (requires application)
  • Senior Citizen Tax Credit: -$1,000 (if qualified, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.23%
  • Annual Tax: $22,300 - $1,558 = $20,742
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,729

Tax credits shown require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact your municipal assessor for application forms and deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Greater Bridgeport County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment, though some borrowers with larger down payments may also choose escrow for convenience. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and deposits these funds into a dedicated escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to the appropriate municipality when they become due on July 1st each year, ensuring timely payment and protecting their security interest in the property.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are available and may adjust your monthly payment if tax assessments change significantly. You'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing the previous year's tax payments, current account balance, and any required payment adjustments. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require an immediate payment to cover any escrow shortage, or they may spread the shortage over 12 months in addition to the increased monthly payment. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially after purchasing a home or completing major improvements that might trigger supplemental assessments.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Greater Bridgeport County? A: Property taxes for FY 2024-2025 are due by July 1, 2024, with a grace period until August 2, 2024. If July 1 falls on a weekend, the due date extends to the next business day.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Available tax credits include the Homestead Credit (up to $558 annually), Senior Citizen Credit (varies by municipality), Veterans Credit (for qualifying service), and Disability Credit. All tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit applies to primary residences up to an assessed value of $250,000 and helps limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit requires annual filing with your municipal assessor and provides tax bill reduction, not an exemption from assessed value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Connecticut law requires municipalities to conduct property revaluations every five years, though some Greater Bridgeport County municipalities may reassess more frequently. You'll receive notice before any reassessment and have appeal rights if you disagree with the new valuation.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges of 1.5% per month (18% annually) starting August 3rd. Additional penalties may apply for payments more than 30 days late, and municipalities may initiate tax lien procedures for significantly delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, most municipalities within Greater Bridgeport County offer online payment options. You can also pay by phone at 844-892-9646 or visit M&T Bank locations in the Fairfield County area for in-person payments.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You have appeal rights through your municipal Board of Assessment Appeals, typically within 20 days of receiving your assessment notice. If unsuccessful locally, you may appeal to the Connecticut Superior Court within two months of the local board's decision.

Q: Are there special district taxes in addition to regular property taxes? A: Yes, depending on your location within Greater Bridgeport County, you may pay additional assessments for fire districts, lighting districts, drainage districts, or other municipal improvements. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by specific address.

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