Abatement: To decrease in amount or value; the process of reducing or eliminating tax which would normally be due and payable. (CGS 12-124) (CGS 12-124a)
Assessment/Assessed Value: The amount of value placed by the Assessor on real or personal property. Under Connecticut statute assessed value of property must be 70% of present true and actual value. (CGS 12-62a)
Budget-Making Authority: The municipal body which prepares the annual budget and calculates the mill rate. In Greenwich that body is the Board of Estimate and Taxation.
Delinquent: Tax debt upon which payment is in arrears. A tax bill is delinquent when it has not been paid by August 1, or has exceeded the statutory grace period. (CGS 12-146)
Demand Notice: Request for payment when taxpayer fails to pay. (CGS 12-155)
Exemption: Reduction or elimination of tax on certain types of property or persons. (CGS 12-81)
Grand Levy: Also known as Tax Levy. The amount of money to be raised through property tax to balance a town budget. Calculated by multiplying the Grand List by the Mill Rate.
Interest: 1.5% per month or part thereof calculated from the due date. (CGS 12-145)
Lien: A legal charge upon real estate or personal property for the satisfaction of a debt. (CGS12-173) (CGS 12-175)
Mill: A unit of monetary measure equal to one thousandth of a dollar.
Mill Rate: Determined by dividing the Grand Levy (amount of revenue required) by the Grand List (total assessed value of all taxable property). Rate is then applied to taxable property.
Municipality: A political unit of local self-government.
Rate Bill: A document which contains the proportion which each individual is to pay according to the assessment list. Specifies mill rate and installment due dates if not set by ordinance.
Rate Book: Listing of tax due from each taxpayer.
Refund: Return of monies erroneously collected or overpaid. Must be applied for in writing no later than three years from the date such tax was due. (CGS 12-129)
Supplemental Motor Vehicle Tax: Tax on vehicles registered after October 1 and before August 1 the following year.
Tax: Each property tax or installment, as increased by interest, penalties, fees and charges. (CGS 12-146)
Tax Levy: Also known as Grand Levy. The amount of money to be raised through property tax to balance a town budget. Calculated by multiplying the Grand List by the Mill Rate.
Tax Sale: A tax sale is a public auction of property conducted by a municipal entity which applies the proceeds against unpaid taxes or similar assessments owed. (CGS 12-157)
Tax Warrant: A legal instrument issued by the governing body of the municipality which empowers the Tax Collector to demand and collect payment of tax as set in the rate book for the year concerned. (CGS 12-132)
Uniform Fiscal Year: July 1 - June 30. (CGS 7-382)