Towns use age-based schedules to value vehicles for property taxes

Assessors use age-based price schedules to value motor vehicles for property taxes. The schedules apply to motor vehicles assessed for local property taxes. The usual schedule generally assigns older vehicles a lower share of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price; the optional modified schedule assigns higher shares. If a vehicle’s suggested retail price cannot be found, the town assessor determines its value with help from the Connecticut Association of Assessing Officers. A town may choose a modified schedule by vote of its legislative body, or its board of selectmen if the town meeting is the legislative body. The rules apply to assessment years starting on or after October 1, 2026.

Assessors may use certain imaging tools as an alternative to entering a building during a full inspection. This definition applies to full inspections of buildings or structures for property assessment. An assessor or a designee must measure or verify the building’s exterior dimensions. To enter and examine the interior, the assessor must have permission from the property owner or an adult occupant. The imaging tools must meet guidance from the International Association of Assessing Officers. This definition takes effect October 1, 2026.

A municipality may limit certain property tax exemptions for fully disabled veterans if it votes to do so. These options concern the home exemption for a state resident who served in the U.S. armed forces and has a 100% service-connected disability rating determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A municipality may exempt no more than two acres of a qualifying veteran’s home lot. A municipality may also cap the total exemption at the median assessed value of homes in that municipality. The options apply to assessment years starting on or after October 1, 2025.

A property tax filing or extension due on a weekend or legal holiday is timely if filed or postmarked on the next day that is not a weekend or holiday. The rule covers taxpayer applications and extensions related to property tax assessments under chapter 203. This rule takes effect October 1, 2026.