Chittenden County Property Tax AppealVermont

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 9, 2026

Chittenden County has fourteen cities and towns with their own local tax assessors. Leading the state in property tax rates, Chittenden County County residents contribute a median of $6,527 annually. The county is Vermont's most populous and includes Burlington, the state's largest city.

Notable cities: Burlington, South Burlington, Essex Junction, Colchester, Williston

Median Home

$254,700

Tax Rate

1.61%

Annual Tax

$4,096

Population

most populous county in Vermont

2026 Appeal Deadline: 60 days of the mailing of the notice

Appeals must be received within 60 days of the mailing of the notice. Keep in mind that property tax appeals are generally only accepted in a 1-3 month window each year.

Property in Chittenden County, Vermont — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Chittenden County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: local assessors, called listers in Vermont

Assessment cycle: statistical revaluation every three years with a full inspection in the ninth year

Notices typically mailed: spring each year... typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April

Properties are assessed at their fair market value or the amount a willing buyer would pay for the property. Assessed values in Chittenden County are an approximation of market value.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Listers. Once you and the Department are unable to reach a settlement agreement, you will receive a written notice your case has been docketed, meaning your appeal has been officially placed in queue for a hearing.

1

Details of your assessment can be obtained from your Notice of Assessment or your tax bill.

2

The best way to determine if your property has been over-appraised is by checking the sales prices of similar units within your locality.

3

You must request an appeal in writing, within 60 days of the notice of the assessment

4

You or your representative must sign the request for an appeal

5

You will receive an acknowledgment of your appeal from the Department. The acknowledgment will provide you with the name of a contact person at the Department.

6

It is suggested that you call that person to discuss your appeal.

Required form: The forms you need to appeal property taxes in Chittenden County will be provided to you by the Department of Taxes.

Filing Methods

online:If you appeal on myVTax, please make sure to enter the letter ID associated with your first or second notice of assessment.
mail:Vermont Department of Taxes 133 State Street Montpelier, VT 05633-1401
email:You may also submit your request by email or fax.

Evidence to Bring

valuations of similar homes nearby as evidencecomparable salesphotosrepair estimates

Chittenden County Assessor Contact

Chittenden County Village of Essex Junction Tax Assessor Office

Phone: (802) 878-1345

Address: 81 Main Street in Essex Junction, Vermont

Website: https://sites.google.com/townofchittenden.com/chittenden-vt/departments/town-assessor

Online Portal: https://myvtax.vermont.gov

Tax Exemptions in Chittenden County

Homestead Declaration

The tax rates for homestead properties are lower than the rate for non-homestead properties.

By Vermont law, property owners whose homes meet the definition of a Vermont homestead must file a Homestead Declaration annually by the April filing deadline. If eligible, it is important that you file so that you are correctly assessed the homestead tax rate on your property.

Eligibility: A homestead is the principal dwelling and parcel of land surrounding the dwelling, owned and occupied by the resident as the person's domicile.Deadline: April filing deadline

Homestead Exemption (Bankruptcy Protection)

up to $125,000 of your property's assessed value

the state's homestead exemption protects up to $125,000 of your property's assessed value from creditors in case of bankruptcy.

Eligibility: You must be using the property as your principal residence to qualify.Deadline: N/A

Disabled Veterans Exemption

a minimum of $10,000 of the assessed value... can increase to up to $40,000 depending on the town/city.

This exemption exempts a minimum of $10,000 of the assessed value of a disabled veteran's principal residence from property taxes.

Eligibility: The surviving, unmarried spouse of a qualified veteran also qualifies for this exemption.Deadline: Contact assessor for details

Official Resources

Check Your Chittenden County Assessment

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

✓ All 50 states✓ Instant results✓ $49 flat fee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Chittenden County?
Appeals must be received within 60 days of the mailing of the notice. Keep in mind that property tax appeals are generally only accepted in a 1-3 month window each year. You can file your appeal through myVTax online, by mail, or email to the Vermont Department of Taxes.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Chittenden County online?
If you appeal on myVTax, please make sure to enter the letter ID associated with your first or second notice of assessment. Visit https://myvtax.vermont.gov to file your appeal electronically. The forms you need to appeal property taxes in Chittenden County will be provided to you by the Department of Taxes.
What is the homestead declaration worth in Chittenden County?
The tax rates for homestead properties are lower than the rate for non-homestead properties. By Vermont law, property owners whose homes meet the definition of a Vermont homestead must file a Homestead Declaration annually by the April filing deadline. If eligible, it is important that you file so that you are correctly assessed the homestead tax rate on your property.
What happens after I file a property tax appeal in Chittenden County?
You will receive an acknowledgment of your appeal from the Department. The acknowledgment will provide you with the name of a contact person at the Department. Once you and the Department are unable to reach a settlement agreement, you will receive a written notice your case has been docketed, meaning your appeal has been officially placed in queue for a hearing.
Why are property taxes so high in Chittenden County compared to other Vermont counties?
Chittenden County collects the highest property tax in Vermont, levying an average of $4,096.00 (1.61% of median home value) yearly in property taxes As Vermont's most populous county and home to Burlington, the high property values and demand for public services contribute to higher tax rates. Leading the state in property tax rates, Chittenden County County residents contribute a median of $6,527 annually.
Can I get a property tax exemption for being a senior citizen in Chittenden County?
While Vermont offers various exemptions, specific senior exemptions vary by municipality. You can also ask about other exemptions that may exist for veterans, seniors, low-income families, or property used for certain purposes such as farmland or open space. Contact the Chittenden County Assessor's Office at(802) 878-1345 for details about available exemptions in your specific town.
What evidence should I bring to my Board of Listers hearing in Chittenden County?
You will have to submit a form describing your property and sufficient proof that it is overassessed, including valuations of similar homes nearby as evidence. The best way to determine if your property has been over-appraised is by checking the sales prices of similar units within your locality. Bring comparable sales data, photos of your property condition, and any repair estimates that support your case.

For state-wide appeal information including Vermont's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Vermont 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 →

Sources: https://www.taxassessors.net/vermont/chittendencounty.htm | https://app.taxproper.com/main/content/vermont-property-taxes | https://tax.vermont.gov/help/appeals | http://www.tax-rates.org/vermont/chittenden_county_property_tax | https://smartasset.com/taxes/vermont-property-tax-calculator | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/vermont/chittenden-county | https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/vermont/property-tax | https://tax.vermont.gov/property-owners/homestead-declaration

Last verified: 2026-02-09