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Tax Collector's Office
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is designed to provide answers to some of the questions taxpayers most frequently ask about property taxes. All questions concerning assessments, exemptions, elderly tax relief, and adjustments to motor vehicles should be directed to the Assessor. Questions about billings, tax balances due, amounts paid, and interest charged should be directed to the Tax Collector.
Q: I have moved. What is my tax jurisdiction for motor vehicle taxes?
Q: Are there any breaks for senior citizens?
Q: Could I be eligible for an exemption(s)?
Q: Do I need to save my receipts?
Q: What is the best way to pay my tax bill?
Q: What is being done to collect delinquent taxes?
Q: What do I own that is subject to taxes?
Q: How is the tax rate established?
Q: When are taxes due?
Q: What happens if I pay late?
Q: Can the interest on my tax bill be waived?
Q: I am being improperly billed for a motor vehicle. What should I do?
Q: I need to register my car. Do I need to pay my taxes first?
Q: My bill says “Back Taxes Due.” What does that mean?
Q: What if I never received a tax bill?
Q: Can I pay my taxes via telephone or Internet?
Q: I have moved. What is my tax jurisdiction for motor vehicle taxes?
A: The Town in which you resided as of October 1st will be the Town that you will receive a bill from the following July. If you move out of State after October 1st and registered a motor vehicle in the state where you have become a resident, you might be entitled to an adjustment. If the car was junked, stolen or sold before the end of August, you also would be entitled to an adjustment. Contact the Assessor's Office for the documentation necessary to process this adjustment.
YOUR PLATES MUST BE RETURNED TO THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO CANCEL THE REGISTRATION.
If you move, you must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of your new address within 48 hours. Be sure that you request a change of address on your driver's license and on all of your vehicle registrations.
Q: Are there any breaks for senior citizens?
A: Yes, The State of Connecticut and Town of Bethel allow for tax credits for homeowners who have reached the age of 65 or are totally disabled and are on limited income. To determine eligibility contact the Assessor's or Tax Collector's Office respectively.
Q: Could I be eligible for an exemption(s)?
A: You may be. There are exemptions available for Veterans who have served and are currently on active duty. Other assessment exemptions are for the blind, totally disabled resident taxpayer and firefighters. Those persons with large tracts of land can apply for farm or forest consideration. There are statutory requirements that must be met for all the exemptions, contact the Assessor's Office for the details.
Q: Do I need to save my receipts?
A: Yes. Taxpayers are advised to save their receipts for 15 years, the length of time during which municipal taxes are collectable.
Q: What is the best way to pay my tax bill?
A: The most convenient way to pay is by mail. Be sure to write your phone and list numbers on your check. If you wish to have a receipt returned to you, please send the entire tax bill and a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your payment. During collection times or as the last day to pay approaches, there can be long lines and you should expect to wait if paying in person.
Q: What is being done to collect delinquent taxes?
A: Collection of past due accounts are enforced by use of the various remedies available under the law, including: withholding and/or suspension of motor vehicle registrations; filing of tax liens; sale of real property at public auction (tax sale); levy and seizure of taxable goods and chattels, with subsequent sale and distribution; withholding, suspension or revocation of licenses or permits required in the operation of a business, including health permits; denial of building permits on delinquent property; and garnishment of wages. Also: Seizure of assets; seizure of bank accounts; issuance of alias tax warrants for collection by marshal or constable; initiation of suit to collect or foreclosure proceedings; and assignment of tax liens. The Bethel Tax office is sincerely committed to the efficient collection of past due taxes.
Q: What do I own that is subject to taxes?
A: Three types of property are subject to taxation: Real Estate, Motor Vehicles, and Personal Property. All land and the improvements on that land are considered Real Estate. All registered and non-registered motor vehicles whether Connecticut registered or not, garaged in the Town of Bethel are subject to taxation, (types of vehicles included, but not limited to, are as follows: cars, trucks, camp trailers, trailers and motorcycles etc.). Personal property includes all furniture and fixtures, equipment of commercial and industrial places of business, whether owned or leased, cables, water companies, horses, etc.
Q: How is the tax rate established?
A: The property tax rate is expressed in mills, or thousandths of a dollar. For example a tax rate of 24.55 mills is equivalent to $24.55 per $1,000 of assessed value. The tax rate is determined by dividing the grand levy by the net taxable grand list.
Q: When are taxes due?
A: Real Estate taxes are due quarterly, in July, October, January, and April. Motor vehicle and Personal Property taxes are due in one installment payable in July. Supplemental Motor Vehicle taxes are due in one installment in January. You have 30 days from the due date to pay without penalty.
Q: What happens if I pay late?
A: Past due payments are subject to interest at the rate of one and one half percent per month from the due date of the tax, as required by state law. There is a minimum interest charge of $2.00.
Q: Can the interest on my tax bill be waived?
A: No. The Tax Collector does not have the authority to waive interest. As the owner of taxable property, YOU are responsible to see that taxes are paid when due. NO EXCEPTIONS. CT General Statue 12-146
Q: I am being improperly billed for a motor vehicle. What should I do?
A: Contact the Assessor's Office at (203) 794-8507. DO NOT IGNORE YOUR BILL! You may be entitled to an adjustment, contact the Assessor for information.
Q: I need to register my car. Do I need to pay my taxes first?
A: Yes. If you owe delinquent property taxes on any vehicle in your name, you may not renew any registrations at the Department of Motor Vehicles without paying your taxes first. All outstanding taxes in your name (this includes any tax bill currently due but not yet delinquent) must be paid in full by cash, bank check, or money order for an immediate clearance. NO EXCEPTIONS. For payments made by check, clearance will be given 10 days after check is posted. (CT.Gen. Stat.14-33)
Q: My bill says “Back Taxes Due.” What does that mean?
A: According to office records, there are past due taxes in your name or on the parcel of property in question. Back taxes and interest must be paid in full before payment on current bills can be accepted. Any payment you make will be applied to back taxes first.
Q: What if I never received a tax bill?
A: Failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt you from payment of all taxes and all interest charges. (CT Gen. Stat. 12-130)
Q: Can I pay my taxes via telephone or Internet?
A: To Pay by credit card call the toll free number 1-800 2PAY-TAX (800-272-9829) or visit www.officialpayments.com. For telephone tax payments use Jurisdiction Code 1745 for Utility payments use Jurisdiction Code 1746. Official payments will charge the cardholder a convenience fee.
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