Tax Information

Mill Rate: A mill is a unit of monetary measure equal to 1/1000 of a dollar. The mill rate is a number determined by dividing the grand levy (amount of revenue required) by the grand list (total assessed value of all taxable property). The mill rate is then applied to each taxpayer’s taxable property. 

Example: Assessment x Mill Rate = Tax dollars
A motor vehicle assessed at $12,230 (x.028) = $342.44

Taxes Due:
The first half of Real Estate tax is due July 1st and the second half is due January 1st. These taxes are based on the value of your property as of the previous October 1st. An additional real estate bill may be due if improvements are made to your property after October 1st of the previous year.

Personal Property taxes are due in two installments. The first half will be issued once the State has set a budget.  The second half is due January 1st. These taxes cover being in business as of October 1st of the previous year.

Motor Vehicle taxes are due in one installment.  Bills will be mailed once the State has set a budget. These taxes are on vehicles registered as of the previous October 1st and cover October 1st of the previous year through September 30th of the current year.

Supplemental Motor Vehicle taxes are due in one installment January 1st. These taxes cover from when the vehicle was registered October 2nd through September 30th of the current year.

Please make checks payable to: Town of Harwinton, Tax Collector

According to Connecticut General Statute (C.G.S.)12-169, when the final day for on-time payment falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, payment may be made without interest or penalty on the next business day. You may pay in person or by mail. No tax or installment shall be considered delinquent if the envelope bears a U.S. postmark showing a date within the time allowed by statue for payment. (C.G.S. 12-146)

Receipt: For a return receipt, enclose your entire bill and a stamped, self-addressed envelope with payment. When paying in person, bring your entire bill with you. Retain your taxpayers receipt for income tax purposes.

Escrow Accounts: If your taxes are to be paid by a bank or mortgage company, please forward your bill to them immediately.

Past Due Taxes: Interest will be charged on all late payments, at a rate of 1 ½% per month or 18% per year in accordance with C.G.S. 12-146. The interest is charged back to the due date. For example a late payment in August is charged 3% interest (for July and August). The minimum charge is $2.00 per bill.

If “back taxes due” appears on your bill, please call the office for the correct amount due before you send your payment!

All delinquent motor vehicle taxes are reported to DMV. Anyone needing a motor vehicle clearance must pay in cash or bank check; or provide proof that their personal check has cleared their account to receive a DMV clearance.

Sold a Vehicle? When a vehicle has been sold, and not replaced, your bill may be adjusted or deleted. A Returned Plate Receipt from DMV or a copy of a bill of sale should be provided to the Assessor’s Office for their consideration. For further information on acceptable proof call the Assessor’s Office at 860-485-0898.

Assessment Appeal: Applications and information on when to file can be obtained by calling the Assessor’s Office at 860-485-0898.

Tax Breaks: There are a number of income based tax assessment relief programs authorized by Connecticut State Statute that are available to qualified property owners and renters in Harwinton.

Detailed information regarding the Disabled, Elderly/Disabled Homeowners (Circuit Breaker), Rebate for Elderly/Disabled Renters, and Veterans Additional Exemption Tax Relief Programs can be found by visiting the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management website locate here: www.opm.state.ct.us.

For additional tax assessment relief program information, you may call the Harwinton Assessor’s Office at 860-485-0898.