What is the best way to pay my tax bill?
The most convenient way to pay your taxes is by paying online using a debit or credit card, E-check through ACH/EFT or with a check by mail. A return envelope is included with your tax bill. Write the list numbers on your check. Your list numbers are shown on your bill. Mail payments to City of Hartford PO Box 412834
Boston, MA 02241-2834. **INCLUDE ONLY ONE CHECK PER ENVELOPE ALONG WITH PAYMENT STUB.**
DO NOT INCLUDE CASH. There is a $20 fee that will be applied to your account for checks returned by your Financial Institution for insufficient funds.
Can I pay my motor vehicle delinquent taxes by personal check?
If you have delinquent motor vehicle taxes, or are planning to register a vehicle with the DMV and require a release from the Tax Collector, you must pay with Cash, Credit Card, Money Order, or Certified Bank Check.If your payment is made by personal check, a release will be delayed for ten (10) business days or until the check clears. All releases are now processed electronically through the DMV.
My property has a real estate lien. Can I get it released after I pay my taxes?
For immediate release of a Tax Lien, payment must be made by Cash, Money Order or Certified bank check. If payment is made by Personal check, the lien will not be released for ten (10) business days.
May I pay my taxes with a credit or debit card?
The City of Hartford accepts all major credit cards ( VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover), Google-Pay and Apple-Pay. For those taxpayers who choose to pay with credit cards, there is a 2.99% convenience fee charged with a $3.95 minimum charge . This fee does not go to the City but to the bank for the transaction processing costs. You may also pay online by check through ACH/EFT. These transaction cost $0.50
Can I make partial payments for taxes?
Partial payments are accepted. Interest is charged at the statutory rate (currently 1 ½ % per month/ 18% per year) from the due date. Taxes must be paid in full for lien releases or for motor vehicle registration clearance. If the amount of delinquent taxes owed is greater than $5,000.00, or more than one year is past due, a formal agreement to pay over 12 months may be entered into with an authorized member of the Tax Collector’s staff.
Are there long lines at City Hall?
Yes, during the months of July and January. You should expect to wait in line if you plan to pay in person during this period. Lines are longest at lunchtime, and as the last day to pay approaches. When paying in person, bring your tax bill with you, and write your list numbers on your check for faster service. If you want to avoid waiting in line, consider paying your bill by mail or online. You may also “drop off” a check (check only - no cash) at the Tax Collector’s Office in the drop box outside Room 106 at City Hall.
What are the office hours of the Tax Collector?
The Tax Collector's Office, located on the first floor of Hartford City Hall, 550 Main Street, Room 106, is open to the publicMonday through Wednesday, 8:15 am. – 2:00 pm, Thursday 8:15 am. - 7:00 pm., Friday 8:15 pm - 2:30 pm.
What if I never received a tax bill?
Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) Section 12-130 states that “…failure to send out or receive a tax bill shall not invalidate the tax....” You are not exempt from payment of all taxes and all interest charges. If you do not receive a bill for which you are responsible, contact the Tax Collector's Office at HartfordTax@Hartford.govand request a copy or go to www.hartfordct.gov/tax to look up your taxes and/or print out a statement.
Do I need to save my receipts?
Yes. Save your receipts for15 years, which is the length of time during which municipal taxes are collectible. Receipts will be issued for payments made in person at the Tax Office window. You must retain your own payment information for purposes of claiming tax credits and filling out Federal and State income tax forms. Requests for information about payments made in prior fiscal years must be in writing; a fee for printing may be charged.
What do I own that is subject to taxes?
Three types of property are assessed and subject to taxes:
Real Estate: Any land or buildings are considered real estate.
Motor Vehicle: Registered motorized or non-motorized vehicles, (including cars, trucks, trailers and motorcycles) are considered motor vehicles for tax purposes.
Personal Property: Personal property is a general category including business equipment, machinery, furniture and fixtures either owned or leased by a business. Unregistered motor vehicles are also taxed as personal property.
How is the tax rate established?
The property tax rate is expressed in mills, or thousandths of a dollar. A tax rate (mill rate) of 68.95 mills is equivalent to $68.95 in taxes per $1,000 of net assessed value. The City of Hartford sets the mill rates annually in May/ June as part of the municipal budget process.
When are taxes due?
Taxes are due July 1st and January 1st. If a tax bill is $100 or less, the full amount is due on July 1st.
