Fairfield County Property Tax Appeal — Connecticut

Rob Hartley·Updated February 16, 2026

Fairfield County is located in southwestern Connecticut and is home to major cities including Bridgeport (the largest city in the county and former county seat), Stamford, Norwalk, Danbury, and Greenwich. With a population of approximately 960,000 residents, it is Connecticut's most populous county and one of the wealthiest counties in the United States. Connecticut abolished county government in 1960, so all municipal services including property tax assessment and collection are administered by individual towns and cities. Fairfield County's median home value is substantially higher than both state and national averages, and property owners face some of the highest property tax burdens in the nation, making appeal opportunities particularly valuable for homeowners.

Notable cities: Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, Danbury, Greenwich, Fairfield, Westport, Stratford

Median Home

$477,700

Tax Rate

1.30%

Annual Tax

$6,221

Population

960,000

2026 Appeal Deadline: February 20, 2026 (some municipalities extend to March 20, 2026)

By state statute, appeals must be filed with the local Board of Assessment Appeals by February 20 for most towns. Some municipalities extend this deadline to March 20. The appeal must be received by the deadline—postmarks are not accepted. This deadline applies to the October 1, 2026 Grand List affecting tax bills starting July 2026.

Property in Fairfield County, Connecticut — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Fairfield County Assesses Property

70%of market value

Assessed by: Town/City Assessor's Office (administered by individual municipalities)

Assessment cycle: Revaluation every 5 years (state mandated)

Notices typically mailed: February-March following revaluation

Connecticut law mandates that all property be assessed at 70% of fair market value as of the October 1 valuation date. For example, if your home's market value is $477,700 (the county median), your assessed value would be $334,390 (70% of market value). At Fairfield County's effective tax rate of 1.30%, this would result in approximately $4,347 in annual property taxes. Each municipality conducts a revaluation every five years to ensure assessments reflect current market conditions, with the most recent revaluation occurring as of October 1, 2026, affecting tax bills due in July 2026.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Assessment Appeals. Hearings are informal, non-judicial proceedings typically conducted by one or more Board members. You'll have 10-15 minutes to present your case, including evidence such as comparable sales, appraisals, and property condition issues. The Board reviews your evidence along with the assessor's information and issues a written decision within 1-3 weeks.

Step 1: Review your assessment notice carefully when received (typically February-March). Verify that property details such as square footage, number of rooms, and features are accurate. Contact the Assessor's Office immediately if you find factual errors.

Step 2: Research comparable property sales in your neighborhood from the three months before and after October 1, 2026 (the valuation date). Gather evidence that your property's assessed value is higher than similar properties or market conditions support.

Step 3: Consider requesting an informal hearing with the town assessor or revaluation company if offered. Many municipalities provide this opportunity before the formal appeal deadline. Issues can often be resolved at this stage without a formal appeal.

Step 4: File a formal written appeal with your town's Board of Assessment Appeals by February 20, 2026 (or March 20 if your town has extended the deadline). Complete the petition form and submit all supporting documentation including comparable sales, photographs, appraisals, and repair estimates.

Step 5: Attend your Board of Assessment Appeals hearing in March or April. Present your evidence clearly and concisely (typically 10-15 minutes allowed). The Board will review your case and issue a decision, usually within 1-3 weeks.

Step 6: If unsatisfied with the Board's decision, you may appeal to Connecticut Superior Court within two months of receiving the Board's decision. Superior Court appeals require more extensive documentation including professional appraisals for properties assessed over $1 million.

Step 7: For commercial properties with assessed values over $1 million, the Board of Assessment Appeals may decline to hold a hearing. In such cases, you must file directly with Superior Court within two months of receiving notice of the Board's decision to forgo a hearing.

Required form: Board of Assessment Appeals Petition Form (form name varies by municipality)

Filing Methods

in-person:Submit petition form and supporting documentation to your town's Assessor's Office. Example: Fairfield Town Assessor at 611 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.

mail:Mail petition and supporting documents to your town Assessor's Office. Must be received by the deadline—postmarks are not accepted per state statute.

online:Some municipalities may accept electronic filing. Check with your specific town assessor's office for availability.

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable property sales (within 3 months of October 1, 2026 valuation date)Professional appraisal by licensed appraiserPhotographs showing property condition or defectsRepair estimates for structural issues or needed maintenanceProperty record card showing assessed features and square footageSales data from similar properties in your neighborhood

Fairfield County Assessor Contact

Town/City Assessor's Office (varies by municipality)

Phone: Varies by municipality (Example: Fairfield(203) 256-3110)

Address: Example: Town of Fairfield Assessor, Old Town Hall, 611 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824

Website: https://www.fairfieldct.org/service/tax_assessor/

Online Portal: https://gis.vgsi.com/fairfieldct/

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (varies by municipality)

Tax Exemptions in Fairfield County

Veterans Exemption (Basic)

$1,000 assessment reduction (approximately $24,000 after 2026 revaluation in many towns)

Basic property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans who served at least 90 days during wartime periods as defined by Connecticut statute.

Eligibility: Must be a Connecticut resident, own and occupy the property as primary residence, and have DD-214 discharge papers filed with Town Clerk by September 30. Must have served 90+ days during recognized wartime periods.Deadline: DD-214 must be filed with Town Clerk by September 30

100% Disabled Veterans Exemption

100% exemption on dwelling or one vehicle

Full exemption from property taxes for veterans with service-connected permanent and total (100% P&T) VA disability rating. Exempts either the veteran's primary residence dwelling or one motor vehicle.

Eligibility: Connecticut resident with 100% service-connected permanent and total disability rating from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Must own and occupy dwelling as primary residence, or if no dwelling, exemption applies to one vehicle.Deadline: File application with Town Assessor (deadlines vary by municipality)

Additional Veterans Exemption (Income-Based)

Doubles the basic exemption (income-dependent)

Additional exemption for qualifying veterans who meet income requirements. This doubles the basic veteran exemption amount and is reimbursed to municipalities by the state.

Eligibility: Must already qualify for basic veterans exemption and meet state income limits: $56,500 for married couples, $46,300 for single persons (2026 limits). Some towns offer additional local veteran exemptions with higher income thresholds.Deadline: February 1 to October 1 annually

Elderly/Disabled Homeowner Tax Relief

10% to 50% tax credit based on income

State program providing tax credits for elderly (65+) or totally disabled homeowners who meet income requirements. Benefits typically range from 10% to 50% of tax bill depending on income level.

Eligibility: Must be 65 years old by December 31 preceding filing period or totally disabled (any age with Social Security verification). Must own and occupy property as primary residence and meet state income guidelines.Deadline: February 1 to May 15 annually

Blind Exemption

$3,000 assessment reduction

Exemption for taxpayers who are legally blind as verified by a physician.

Eligibility: Must provide verification from physician confirming legal blindness. Must be filed with Assessor by October 1. Once filed, does not need to be renewed annually.Deadline: October 1 (initial filing only)

Totally Disabled Exemption

$1,000 assessment reduction

Exemption for residents who are totally disabled and receive disability pension from Social Security Administration.

Eligibility: Must receive disability designation from Social Security Administration and provide current proof of disability to Assessor.Deadline: October 1 annually

Official Resources

Town of Fairfield Assessor's Office →

Official assessor website for the Town of Fairfield with assessment information, forms, and revaluation details (example municipality).

Connecticut Office of Policy and Management - Property Valuation →

State agency overseeing property tax assessment standards and veteran exemption programs across Connecticut.

Vision Government Solutions - Fairfield Property Database →

Online property assessment database for searching property values, tax records, and assessment details in Fairfield and other towns.

Connecticut Judicial Branch - Property Tax Appeals Information →

Official state court system information about appealing property tax cases to Connecticut Superior Court.

Check Your Fairfield County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Fairfield County property is overassessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Fairfield County in 2026?

The deadline to file a property tax appeal with your town's Board of Assessment Appeals is February 20, 2026, for most municipalities in Fairfield County. Some towns extend this deadline to March 20, 2026. This applies to the October 1, 2026 Grand List and affects tax bills due starting July 2026. By state statute, your appeal petition must be received by the Assessor's Office by the deadline—postmarks are not accepted. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to appeal that assessment year. Contact your specific town assessor's office to confirm your exact deadline, as it can vary by municipality.

How does Connecticut's 70% assessment ratio affect my property taxes in Fairfield County?

Connecticut law requires all property to be assessed at 70% of fair market value as determined on the October 1 valuation date. This means if your home's actual market value is $500,000, your assessed value for tax purposes would be $350,000 (70% of $500,000). Your annual property tax is then calculated by multiplying this assessed value by your town's mill rate. For example, at a mill rate of 25 mills (2.5%), you would owe $8,750 annually. Understanding this ratio is crucial when appealing because you must demonstrate that even at 70% of market value, your assessment is still too high compared to comparable properties or actual market conditions.

Can I appeal my Fairfield County property assessment if I missed the revaluation year?

Yes, Connecticut law allows property owners to file appeals annually, even if they missed the revaluation year. While appealing immediately after a revaluation (such as the October 1, 2026 revaluation) offers the greatest potential savings because the adjusted value applies for the next five years, you can still appeal in subsequent years. For example, if you missed the February 2026 deadline, you can file an appeal in February 2027 and potentially receive tax reductions for the remaining years until the next revaluation. However, the potential savings decrease with each passing year, so it's always best to appeal as soon as possible after receiving an assessment you believe is excessive.

What evidence do I need to successfully appeal my property taxes in Fairfield County?

To successfully appeal your property tax assessment in Fairfield County, you need strong comparable evidence showing your property is overvalued. The most compelling evidence includes recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood (preferably within three months of the October 1, 2026 valuation date), a professional appraisal by a licensed Connecticut appraiser, photographs documenting property defects or needed repairs, written repair estimates from contractors for structural issues, and your property record card from the assessor showing the features used to calculate your assessment. The Board of Assessment Appeals gives significant weight to actual comparable sales data, so gathering 3-5 truly comparable properties that sold for less than your assessed value is critical. For properties assessed over $1 million, a professional appraisal becomes particularly important if you plan to appeal to Superior Court.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Fairfield County?

Potential savings from a property tax appeal in Fairfield County depend on how much your assessment is reduced and your town's mill rate. For example, if you successfully reduce your assessed value by $100,000 and your town's mill rate is 25 mills (2.5%), you would save $2,500 annually. Because revaluations occur every five years and successful appeal results typically remain in effect until the next revaluation, your total savings would be $12,500 over five years. In affluent Fairfield County towns with high home values and mill rates, even moderate assessment reductions can yield substantial savings. Properties overassessed by $150,000 or more generally make appealing financially worthwhile when factoring in the multi-year benefit and the cost of legal representation or appraisal fees.

What happens at a Board of Assessment Appeals hearing in Fairfield County?

A Board of Assessment Appeals hearing in Fairfield County is an informal, non-judicial proceeding typically held in March or April. You'll meet with one or more Board members (who are town residents appointed to review appeals) and have approximately 10-15 minutes to present your case. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney. During the hearing, you'll present your evidence such as comparable sales, appraisals, photographs, and explanations of why your assessment is excessive. The Board member listens to your presentation, may ask questions, and reviews the assessor's information. The Board then deliberates privately with the town assessor and issues a written decision typically within 1-3 weeks. The Board can reduce your assessment, maintain it, or theoretically increase it, though increases are rare. If dissatisfied with the Board's decision, you have two months to appeal to Connecticut Superior Court.

Are there property tax exemptions available for veterans in Fairfield County?

Yes, Connecticut offers several property tax exemptions for veterans that apply in all Fairfield County municipalities. The basic veterans exemption provides approximately $24,000 in assessment reduction for honorably discharged veterans who served 90+ days during wartime and have their DD-214 filed with the Town Clerk by September 30. Disabled veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected VA disability rating receive a full exemption on their primary residence dwelling or one motor vehicle. An additional income-based veterans exemption doubles the basic exemption for veterans meeting state income limits ($56,500 married, $46,300 single for 2026). These exemptions can result in significant annual tax savings, particularly in high-tax Fairfield County communities. Contact your town assessor's office to apply and ensure you're receiving all exemptions for which you qualify.

What if my Fairfield County town's Board of Assessment Appeals denies my appeal?

If the Board of Assessment Appeals denies your appeal or doesn't reduce your assessment sufficiently, you have the right to appeal to Connecticut Superior Court. You must file this appeal within two months of the date the Board mails its decision notice—this deadline is strictly enforced. Superior Court appeals are assigned to the Tax Session in New Britain Superior Court, which handles property tax appeals from across the state. These appeals require more substantial evidence, including professional appraisals, particularly for properties assessed over $1 million where state law requires filing an appraisal within 120 days of commencing the appeal. Superior Court appeals involve more time, expense, and complexity than Board hearings, but many cases settle before trial. Most property owners hire experienced tax appeal attorneys for Superior Court proceedings due to the technical nature of these cases and the potential for significant tax savings over multiple years.

For state-wide appeal information including Connecticut's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Connecticut Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Connecticut Counties

Hartford County (Hartford)New Haven County (New Haven)

← All Connecticut property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.fairfieldct.org/service/tax_assessor/ | https://www.fairfieldct.org/service/tax_assessor/assessment_appeals.php | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/connecticut/fairfield-county | https://portal.ct.gov/opm/igpp/grants/tax-relief-grants | https://www.jud.ct.gov/external/super/Tax/faqs.htm

Last verified: 2026-02-16