Motor Vehicle Assessments

car with dollar sign2023 Motor Vehicle Appeals Hearing Date: September 10, 2024 at 5pm, location 611 Old Post Road (motor vehicles only).  No application is necessary, please appear in person with your supporting evidence on September 10, 2024, between 5:00PM and 7:00PM at 611 Old Post Road , (the Old Town Hall).

Motor vehicle assessments are determined at 70% of Clean Retail Value not the Trade In or Private Sale values.  We use the NADA Vehicle Pricing Guides as of October 1, in accordance with Connecticut State Statute 12-71d.  

Motor vehicles registered to Fairfield as of October 1 of each year are taxed the following July. Vehicles registered between October 2 and August 1 are taxed on a "supplemental list" in January.

Adjustments

The Department of Motor Vehicles does not notify Connecticut Assessors when a motor vehicle is disposed of.

If your vehicle was sold, traded, donated, junked, totaled, stolen, or otherwise disposed of, or if you registered the vehicle out-of-state, you may be entitled to a prorated credit or refund of all or part of your tax bill.

If the registration plates were transferred to a replacement vehicle, the credit will automatically be applied to the Supplemental Tax Bill for the replacement vehicle the following January.

If the registration was NOT transferred, one of the following forms of documentation are required in order to prorate the tax bill:

  • Cancelled plate receipt from Connecticut DMV
  • Bill of sale signed by both parties
  • Junk dealer receipt
  • Donation receipt
  • Dated registration from another state
  • Statement from insurer with date of and reason for cancellation
  • Other documentation such as a CARFAX ™ or similar report, repossession statement, or title transfer.
Appeals

Motor vehicle assessments billed in July may be appealed at the September meeting of the Board of Assessment Appeals. Visit the Assessment Appeals web page for more information on appealing your Motor Vehicle assessment.