What is OPM’s role in property taxes and refunds?


Read time: 6 minutes

OPM provides guidance on property taxes, mill rates, and tax relief programs. Cities and towns manage tax bills and most refunds.

What this does

  • Explains OPM’s limited role in property taxes
  • Clarifies that cities and towns handle tax bills and refunds
  • Provides general information on mill rates and tax relief programs
  • Guides taxpayers to the correct office for help

How it’s organized
Local responsibility

  • Cities and towns assess, bill, collect, and refund property taxes
  • This includes taxes on homes, personal property, and motor vehicles
  • Local officials handle overpayments and assessment corrections

Mill rates

  • Mill rates are set by cities and towns, not by OPM
  • They are used to calculate local property tax bills
  • OPM publishes mill rate information for reference and comparison

Refunds and tax relief

  • Connecticut law governs property tax refunds
  • Local tax officials issue refunds, not OPM
  • The Renters’ Rebate Program provides tax relief to eligible elderly and disabled renters
  • This program follows state law and income limits

What we do

  • Publish laws on property assessment and taxation
  • Share mill rate information for public reference
  • Provide information on tax relief and rebate programs
  • Issue guidelines to help municipalities apply tax laws consistently
  • Create rules for tax exemption and credit programs
  • Support state programs that reimburse towns for lost tax revenue
  • Set certain statewide personal property tax rules
  • Provide applications for maritime heritage land classification

What we cannot do

  • Forgive taxes or remove interest on late payments
  • Change decisions made by local tax officials
  • Decide individual refund or rebate cases
  • Provide legal advice or legal interpretations

Contact information
Property Tax Guidance
Local Assessors
Tax Collectors (PDF)
Motor Vehicle Changes for Taxpayer (PDF)

General Services