Hartford City Assessor – Hartford, CT

Office of the City Assessor

The Hartford City Assessor’s Office, located in Room 108 of the Municipal Building (City Hall) at 550 Main Street, is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all real estate, business personal property, and motor vehicles within the city limits. This office compiles the annual Grand List, which serves as the basis for the city’s tax levy. It is important to distinguish this office from the Tax Collector; the Assessor determines the value of property, while the Tax Collector calculates and collects the taxes due based on that value.

• Revaluation: The office conducts periodic revaluations of all real property to ensure assessments reflect current market value, with the next revaluation cycle mandated by state law.
• Exemptions: Staff process applications for property tax exemptions, including programs for veterans, the blind, totally disabled persons, and tax-exempt organizations (non-profits).
• Appeals: Property owners who believe their assessment is incorrect can file a written appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals during specific filing periods, typically in February.

Filing and Information

Business owners must file an annual Declaration of Personal Property with this office by November 1st to avoid penalties. The Assessor also maintains property record cards and maps which are public records available for inspection. The office has extended hours on Thursdays to accommodate working residents. Please note that while the staff can explain how an assessment was calculated, they cannot adjust taxes owed without a formal appeal process or specific statutory exemption.