Assessment Ratio
70%
Appeal Deadline
February 20, 2026
Official Form
Board of Assessment Appeals form
Risk of Increase
Yes
How Assessment Works in Connecticut
Connecticut assesses property at 70% of fair market value. Your assessed value should be 70% of what your home would sell for on the open market. If your assessment implies a market value higher than comparable sales support, you have grounds to appeal.
Risk of Increase
In Connecticut, filing a appeal can result in your assessed value being increased. This is uncommon when you have strong evidence of over-assessment, but you should be aware of this possibility. ProtestMax only recommends filing when our analysis shows a clear case for reduction.
How to File in Connecticut
File an appeal with your municipality's Board of Assessment Appeals by February 20. Forms are available at your town assessor's office or online.
Step-by-Step
Connecticut Appeal Process
Review your property assessment on the municipal Grand List (published October 1).
File an appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals by February 20.
Attend the hearing and present comparable sales evidence.
If denied, appeal to the Superior Court within 2 months of the Board's decision.
Alternatively, appeal to the state CIAB (Connecticut Interlocal Assessment Board) for certain properties.
FAQ
Connecticut Property Tax Appeal Questions
How does the 70% ratio work in Connecticut?
If your home's fair market value is $400,000, the assessed value should be $280,000 (70%). Your tax bill is this assessed value multiplied by your town's mill rate. If the town overvalues your home at $450,000, you pay taxes on $315,000 instead of $280,000.
Can my Connecticut assessment increase on appeal?
Yes. The Board of Assessment Appeals can increase your assessment. However, this is rare when you present strong evidence of over-assessment.
How often does Connecticut reassess?
Connecticut requires municipalities to conduct a revaluation at least every 5 years. Some towns do physical revaluations while others use statistical revaluations.
What is the effective property tax rate in Connecticut?
Connecticut property tax rates vary by county, municipality, and school district, but the effective rate (annual tax paid divided by market value) typically ranges from about 0.5% to 2.5%. Because Connecticut assesses property at 70% of market value, your actual tax bill depends on both the assessed value and the local millage or mill levy applied on top of it. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales support, filing a appeal is one of the only ways to reduce your effective rate without waiting for a reassessment.
How long does a property tax appeal take in Connecticut?
Most Connecticut appeals take between 6 weeks and 6 months from filing to final decision. After you file Board of Assessment Appeals form, the assessor or review board schedules a hearing — typically within 30 to 90 days — and issues a written decision shortly after. Cases that settle informally resolve faster, while cases that advance to a formal hearing or court appeal can take several additional months. ProtestMax prepares your full evidence packet in minutes so you can file immediately and start the clock.
Can I appeal my property taxes every year in Connecticut?
Yes. In Connecticut, homeowners generally have the right to appeal their property tax assessment every year, as long as you file by the February 20, 2026 deadline. Even if you won a reduction last year, your assessor can revalue your property the following year, and you retain the right to challenge the new value. Annual appeals are especially important during years when market values are flat or falling but assessments keep rising.
What evidence is most persuasive in Connecticut hearings?
The strongest evidence in a Connecticut appeal hearing is recent comparable sales — homes similar to yours in size, age, condition, and location that sold for less than your assessed value within the last 6 to 12 months. Equity comparisons (similar homes assessed for less than yours) are also highly persuasive. Photos of deferred maintenance, structural issues, or negative location factors (busy roads, flood zones, power lines) strengthen your case further. ProtestMax assembles all of this evidence into a hearing-ready packet tailored to Connecticut's rules.