Board of Assessment Appeals Forms
Assessor's Department
Please note: Adobe Acrobat is required to view/print these files. The size of the PDF file is indicated next to the file's name.
Petition to the Board of Assessment Appeals Form (63 KB) - This form must be completed and received in the Assessor's office by February 20th. Applications received or filed after February 20th WILL NOT be processed.
Board of Assessment Appeals Information
Dear Taxpayer,
The following information may be helpful in the preparation of your appeal to the Town of Hamden Board of Assessment Appeals.
WHAT ACTIONS THE BOARD CAN TAKE
The Board of Assessment Appeals is governed by Connecticut State Statutes. Our powers are limited in scope. Unfortunately, the comment of “my taxes are too high” is not an argument we can legally respond to. Taxes are determined by multiplying the property assessment by the mill rate. We do not set the mill rate. That is the responsibility of the Town Council; we may only address issues concerning value. Real estate valuations are based on values at the time of the last revaluation, not on current market conditions.
Listed below are the types of issues the Board can address, with some comments that may help you present your case to the Board.
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Error in information
Review your field card. Your field card can be obtained at the Assessor’s office in the town hall or on line at www.visionappraisal.com. Are there informational errors on the card? If so, notify the Board at your hearing.
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Loss in value due to some defect
Has your property deteriorated or been damaged? Does your property have some negative flaw due to a structural, environmental or topographical condition? Describe in detail. Photos may be helpful.
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Differences in comparative values of similar properties
Be advised that the value of your property is based on land size as well as type and size of any buildings and their condition. This information is compared to similar types of property.
When comparing your property to other properties, make sure they are similar in age, style, size, quality, and neighborhood.
Try to find more than one comparison. This will reinforce your case. However, be advised that the Board has the right to increase the assessment of any property it deems undervalued based on information presented to it.
To assist you, information about property descriptions, assessments and sales can be found on the www.visionappraisal.com web site.
Motor Vehicle Values
You will be required to provide your vehicle’s mileage, as of the previous October 1st, if you are claiming high mileage.
Supply photographs of any claims of damage due to an accident or excessive wear and tear. Feel free to present any other information that you feel supports your case.
Be advised vehicle values are based on NADA only, unless it is a unique vehicle. Other reference materials such as the Kelley Blue Book are not used. Current purchase receipts may also be helpful.
HOW TO FILE AN APPEAL
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APPEAL APPLICATIONS can be obtained from the Assessor’s Office or from Petition to the Board of Assessment Appeals Form (63 KB) - Please note: Adobe Acrobat is required to view/print these files. The size of the PDF file is indicated next to the file's name. The Assessor’s Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
All written appeals must be “RECEIVED” at the Assessor’s Office by February 20th. It is, therefore, recommended that you mail your appeal a week prior to the due date or hand deliver the appeal by the due date. NO APPEALS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 4:30 PM ON FEBRUARY 20TH.
2. ONLY THE LEGAL OWNER OF PROPERTY OR HIS OR HER AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE CAN BE HEARD
No representative, including a non-owner spouse or attorney, will be heard, unless a letter to designate him or her as an authorized representative is presented.
A “Durable Power of Attorney” will be accepted; the Board will retain a copy of the document as part of their file.
DUE TO TIME CONSTRAINTS, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU FULLY RESEARCH YOUR APPEAL. YOUR WRITTEN PRESENTATION SHOULD BE CONCISE, COMPLETE, AND INCLUDE SPECIFIC DETAILS.