How is my tax calculated?

Assessment x Mill Rate = Tax

What is the new Mill Rate?

The new mill rate on the October 1, 2010 grand list is 27.24.  This mill rate becomes effective on bills due July 1, 2011.  This means that for every $1,000 in assessed value, you will pay $27.24 in taxes.

What methods of payment do you accept?

Cash, Money Orders, Cashier Checks, Business Checks or Personal Checks are acceptable forms of payment in the tax office.  As of December 17, 2009 we also accept MasterCard, VISA, Discover and American Express at the counter.  As of May 3, 2010 the e-check feature is also available.  Delinquent motor vehicle taxes that are at least six (6) months old must be paid in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK or MONEY ORDER.

Can you tell me more about this credit card procedure?

These credit card transactions are processed by Point and Pay, LLC and will be subject to a 2.69% convenience fee which is paid directly to the card processor.  If using the e-check feature, a flat fee of $2.95 will be applied.  Also new in December, you can pay your tax bill by dialing a toll free number (1-866-923-2192) or online by clicking here.  Please have your tax bill information in front of you when paying with a credit card.  You will need to know your 10 digit list number and the total amount due.  If using the e-check feature online, you will also need to know your bank account number and your routing/transit number.  If you have any questions about what amount is owed, please call the Tax Office at 860-584-6270. 

I have more than one bill.  Can I make out one check for all of them?

Yes, one check may be made for all of your City of Bristol taxes.  Checks should be made payable to the Bristol Tax Collector.  Please do not include water or sewer usage or another town's tax amounts with your payment to Bristol.

What happens if I pay late?

Tax payments must be received or US Postal postmarked by August 1st (first installment) or February 1st (second installment) to avoid the accrual of interest.  If a payment is received or US Postal postmarked after August 1st, it will immediately be subject to 3% interest (1.5% for July and 1.5% for August).  Interest will then continue to accrue at a rate of 1.5% per month (18% annually) and you will be rebilled for the balance due. 

Can interest on my tax bill be waived?

No.  The Tax Collector does not have the authority to waive interest for the owner of taxable property.  The taxpayer is responsible to see that taxes are paid when due.  No Exceptions.  CT General Statute 12-146.

How do I correct the mailing address on my tax bill?

If the mailing address is incorrect on your real estate or personal property bill, please contact the Assessor's Office at 860-584-6240.  If the mailing address is incorrect on your motor vehicle bill, please correct it on the registration for that vehicle at CT DMV AND contact the Tax Office so that we may update our files as well.

What if my tax bill says "OTHER TAXES DUE TOO"?

This means that at the time the tax bills were printed, there was an unpaid tax bill in your name from a previous billing cycle.  The bill you have just received does not include any prior year's delinquencies.  Call the tax office at 860-584-6270 for a grand total of what you owe.  Please do not ignore this comment on your bill.  Any payment received will be applied to the oldest bill first. 

What if I did not receive all of my tax bills?

Call the tax office at 860-584-6270 and we will send you a duplicate bill.  Failure to receive a bill does not invalidate the tax or the interest that accrues if the bill is not paid on time.

I am being improperly billed for a motor vehicle.  What should I do?

Contact the Assessor's Office at 860-584-6240.  DO NOT IGNORE THE BILL!!  You may be entitled to an adjustment.  This PDF document entitled "What If My Vehicle Was..?" will also provide you with some useful information.

How do I avoid a lien being placed on my real estate property?

Pay your real estate taxes on time.  Any real estate property with an unpaid balance of ANY amount will be liened on June 1st and that lien will be filed on the land records in our City Clerk's Office.  Delinquent real estate taxes can be paid with a personal check but any liens involved will only be released after 15 business days have passed.

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