2023 Reassessment General Information
Town of Essex 2023 Reassessment is Underway
The Town of Essex has contracted with Vision Government Solutions Inc (Vision) to assist with the town’s 2023 reassessment project.
The last reassessment was completed for the 2018 Grand List. Connecticut State Statutes require towns to reassess all parcels every five years. A reassessment will determine the fair market value of every property in town based on the sales that occur in the twelve months prior to the reassessment date. The objective of the reassessment is to equalize the values of all properties for the purposes of a fair distribution of the property tax liability.
Reassessment is a revenue neutral process in that the town requires a set amount of funds to operate regardless of whether or not the reassessment is done. As such, a significant increase/decrease in a property’s assessed value will not result in an equivalent increase/decrease in the property’s taxes. The town prepares an annual budget to support our schools and local government and the amount of funds needed to be collected through taxes is established. Once those numbers are in place, the Board of Finance uses the Grand List (the grand total of all property assessments) to set the mill rate. Taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value times the mill rate.
The major phases of the reassessment are:
Data Collection
Market Analysis
Finalize Assessments
Field Review
Informal Hearings
You can visit the Vision website for information explaining each stage of the revaluation process as well as answers to frequently asked questions by following this link: https://www.vgsi.com/taxpayer-revaluation-information/.
Data Collection
In January 2023, “Data Mailers” were sent to residential property owners. We asked that owners sign and return the forms with or without changes to have the most accurate and up-to-date information with an owner’s signature on our records.
Vision will proceed with physical visits for current sales, open permits, and a selection of other parcels as needed. Data collectors will physically visit, and record information pertaining to the exterior and interior to measure and verify information. The building size, condition, quality, sheds, pools or detached structures, topography, utilities, and numerous other characteristics will be recorded. All data collectors will have clear identification, wear reflective clothing, have a letter of introduction from the Assessors Office, and have their vehicles registered with the Essex Police Department as well as Town Hall staff.
Market Analysis, Finalize Assessments, Field Review, and Informal Hearings
Setting of assessments and field review of properties to check and re-check assessments to ensure uniformity and accuracy of information will be ongoing through the assessment date of October 1. Notices of new assessments will be mailed sometime in early November 2023 with information on how to request an informal hearing with Vision included. This enables everyone with questions concerning their property reassessment an opportunity to meet with a member of Vision’s staff to discuss their property.
Important Dates
November 2023 – Notices of Assessments Mailed. Information on how to schedule an informal hearing will be included in the notices of assessment.
December 2023 – Informal Hearings to be held.
January 2024 – Informal hearing results will be mailed to those that had a hearing.
February 1 to 20, 2024 – Board of Assessment Appeals application period.
March 2024 – May 2024 – Town and Board of Education Budget Process.
May 2024 – Mill rate established.
June 30, 2024 – Tax bills based on the new assessment and new mill rate mailed.
July 1- August 1, 2024 – Tax bills due and payable.