Motor Vehicles
Requirements
Regarding Assessment Adjustments
Owned motor
vehicles OR Leased motor vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
What period do motor vehicle tax bills cover?
Motor vehicle bills paid in July are for the period October 1 through September 30 of any given year. Motor vehicle bills paid in January are for vehicles registered after October 1 of the year prior. These bills paid in January are prorated based on the registration month from the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. For the specific time period covered, please refer to the back of your bill.The uniform assessment date is October 1st in Connecticut. Motor vehicles registered on October 1 will be part of that year's Grand List. Vehicles registered after October 1st, but prior to August 1st, will be part of the Supplemental Grand List.
How are motor vehicle assessments determined?
Motor vehicle assessments are based upon 70% of the average retail value as determined by your local assessor. The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management recommends a schedule of motor vehicle values in each municipality in determining the assessed value of motor vehicles for purposes of property taxation. For the past several years, the NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) Official Used Car Guide has been utilized in determining the average retail value.What happens if I transfer my license plates to a new vehicle?
When license plates are transferred to a new vehicle, the current bill on the old vehicle must still be paid in full. An assessment credit for the old vehicle will automatically be applied to your next bill for the new vehicle on the supplemental motor vehicle list.
