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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lower Connecticut River Valley County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
20.38 mills regional rate (varies by municipality), effective rates 1.8%-2.2% of assessed value
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

The Lower Connecticut River Valley County property tax system is administered through the RiverCOG (River Council of Governments) and serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public education, municipal services, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in this region are calculated using a mill rate system, where one mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed property value.

For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the regional mill rate stands at 20.38 mills, though actual tax rates vary significantly by municipality and special taxing districts within the county. Property owners should expect effective tax rates ranging from approximately 1.8% to 2.2% of assessed value, depending on their specific location and applicable local assessments. Each town within the Lower Connecticut River Valley maintains its own tax collector and may have additional special district assessments for services such as fire protection, lighting districts, or water/sewer improvements.

The assessment system in Connecticut uses fair market value with periodic revaluations conducted by certified assessors. Unlike some states, Connecticut does not impose a statewide assessment cap, allowing local assessors to adjust property values to reflect current market conditions during revaluation years.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Base Municipal Rate20.38Regional base rate for FY 2025-2026
Local Municipal VarianceVariesAdditional town-specific assessments
School DistrictIncluded in baseFunding for local school districts
Fire District0.5-2.0Varies by fire protection district
Special Lighting Districts0.2-0.8Street lighting in designated areas
Water/Sewer Districts0.3-1.5Infrastructure maintenance where applicable

Note: The 20.38 mill rate represents the regional baseline for fiscal year 2025-2026. Individual municipalities within the Lower Connecticut River Valley may have higher or lower rates based on local budget requirements and special district assessments. Property owners should contact their specific town tax collector for precise mill rates applicable to their property, as rates can vary significantly between towns such as Chester, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Middletown, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lower Connecticut River Valley 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 tax bills in Lower Connecticut River Valley County are issued when property ownership changes, new construction is completed, or significant improvements are made to existing properties during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that new property values are captured for taxation purposes rather than waiting until the next regular assessment period.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the current mill rate to that difference. The supplemental tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year from the date of the triggering event. For example, if a property sale occurs in January and increases the assessed value by $50,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 increase for the remaining months of the fiscal year.

Motor vehicle supplemental bills are also common when vehicles are newly registered or when ownership transfers occur mid-year. These follow the same proration principle and are administered through the local tax collector's office. Property owners typically receive supplemental bills within 30-60 days of the triggering event, and payment is generally due within 30 days of the bill date to avoid interest charges.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,500 (example 5% municipal credit, application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,500
  • Tax Rate: 20.38 mills
  • Annual Tax: $6,085
  • Monthly Escrow: $507

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$3,000 (example 5% municipal credit, application required)
  • Veterans Credit Applied: -$1,500 (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,500
  • Tax Rate: 20.38 mills
  • Annual Tax: $12,137
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,011

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$5,000 (example 5% municipal credit, application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,000
  • Tax Rate: 20.38 mills
  • Annual Tax: $20,278
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,690

Important Note: All tax credits shown require formal application through the local assessor's office and are not automatically applied. Credit availability and amounts vary by municipality within the Lower Connecticut River Valley County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in the Lower Connecticut River Valley County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though many homeowners choose to maintain escrow accounts for convenience. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of the annual property tax bill plus a small cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Property tax bills in the region typically have payment due dates in July and August, with real estate taxes under $50 due in full in July, and larger amounts often split between installments. The second half payment deadline is generally August 1st, representing the last payment date without interest charges for the 2025 tax year. Lenders coordinate with local tax collectors to ensure timely payment from escrow accounts.

Homeowners should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially after revaluations or when supplemental tax bills are issued. Connecticut law requires lenders to provide annual escrow account statements showing deposits, payments, and account balances. Property owners can request escrow analysis updates if they believe their monthly payments are insufficient to cover actual tax obligations.

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 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year? A: Real estate and personal property taxes under $50 are due in full in July. For larger amounts, the first installment is typically due in July, with the second half due August 1st. The August 1st deadline represents the last payment date without interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Tax credits vary by municipality but may include homestead credits (5-35% reduction available by municipal vote), veterans credits, elderly/disabled credits, and volunteer firefighter credits. All credits require formal application through your local assessor's office and are NOT automatically applied. Contact your town assessor for specific credit programs and application deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit, where available, typically caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. For example, a 10% homestead cap would limit assessment growth to 10% annually even if market values rise more dramatically. This credit requires annual or periodic filing and is not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Connecticut conducts periodic town-wide revaluations, typically every 5-10 years depending on the municipality. Individual properties may be reassessed due to improvements, changes in use, or successful appeals. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have appeal rights.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest charges typically begin accruing the day after the due date, commonly at 1.5% per month (18% annually). Some municipalities may also impose additional penalty fees. Contact your local tax collector for specific penalty structures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Most towns in the Lower Connecticut River Valley offer online payment options through their websites or third-party payment processors. Payment methods typically include electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may incur processing fees.

Q: What are special district taxes? A: Special district taxes fund specific services like fire protection, street lighting, water/sewer systems, or other local improvements. These appear as additional line items on your tax bill and vary by location within the county. Rates typically range from 0.2 to 2.0 mills depending on the service.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must typically be filed with the local Board of Assessment Appeals within specific timeframes, usually 20-65 days after receiving assessment notice. Appeals require evidence supporting your claim that the assessment exceeds fair market value. Contact your town assessor's office for specific appeal procedures and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
February 3, 2025 Senator MD Rahman, Co-Chair ...cga.ct.gov
02
Mill Ratesportal.ct.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Taxportal.ct.gov
04
Town of Stonington, Connecticut $7000000stonington-ct.gov
05
Ordinances and Special Actsdeepriverct.us
06
Tax Doc
Tax Office - Naugatuck, CTnaugatuck-ct.gov
07
Connecticutirs.gov
08
Tax Doc
AN ACT CONCERNING A HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX ...cga.ct.gov
09
February 24, 2025 Senator John Fonfara, Co-Chair ...cga.ct.gov
10
Town of Windham, Connecticutwindhamct.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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