2023 Revaluation - Updated 11/9/2023

The Town of Lebanon’s State mandated revaluation has entered its final phase.  Notices of the new proposed assessments were mailed to property owners this week.  The notices include specific instructions on how to schedule an informal hearing with our revaluation vendor Vision Government Solutions Inc.

You may access all Lebanon property records online at the VGSI website here:

https://gis.vgsi.com/LebanonCT/

PLEASE NOTE – DO NOT MULTIPLY THE NEW ASSESSMENT BY THE CURRENT MILL RATE

The new mill rate will be voted upon and set by the Board of Finance in the spring of 2024 once the budget has been passed. Your July 2024 tax bills will be based on that new mill rate.

If you wish to appeal your assessment after the informal hearing process is complete, you must file a written appeal to the Lebanon Board of Assessment Appeals. The appeal application will be found in the Assessor’s Office, on the Assessor’s page of the Town’s website at www.lebanonct.gov or by request at assessor@lebanonct.gov . The appeal application will be made available after January 25, 2024, and must be received on or before February 20, 2024.

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The Town of Lebanon has contracted with Vision Government Solutions, Inc. to complete the town-wide revaluation of all real property in the Town of Lebanon effective for the October 1, 2023 Grand List as required by State Statute.

Minutes for that meeting can be found here.

Learn more about Vision Government Solutions by visiting their website

Vision Government Solution appraisers and data collectors performing field review and inspections will be wearing identification badges and possess written documentation clearly stating the purpose of their visit. Their names and vehicles are listed with the Resident State Trooper, First Selectman's Office and Assessor’s Office. Homeowners are encouraged to ask for identification prior to admitting anyone on/into the premises.  

If you have any questions, the Assessor's Office can be reached at (860) 642-6141.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is a Revaluation?

A revaluation is a systematic process of performing a Market Analysis to determine accurate and equitable values for all taxable and tax-exempt properties within a municipality as of a specific date. The primary purpose of a revaluation is to eliminate any assessment inequities that may have developed since the implementation of the last revaluation (2018). The purpose of a revaluation is not to raise taxes. It is to create an equitable distribution of the tax load.

What is a Grand List?

The Grand List is a listing of all assessed properties in a particular Town.

How is my assessment determined?

Buyers and Sellers determine Market Value. The estimated market value of your real property is based on an analysis of the market for the full year prior to the completion of the revaluation project. Your real property’s assessment is based on its estimated fair market value at the time of revaluation.

Appraisers will analyze the recent sales in order to make comparisons and set valuation parameters (models) which will be utilized to estimate the value of properties.

When will I find out what my new assessment is?

Each property owner will be mailed a notice of the new assessment in November 2023.  

What factors affect value?

Some factors are: location, size, quality of construction, age of improvements, etc. 

Your field card contains a detailed list of factors used for your property.

The “Field Card” or “Assessor’s Card” is available in the Assessor’s Office.  A summary of your field card can also be found online.

How will I know if my assessment is equitable?

Compare your properties to similar properties in your area that sold in the previous year. Your value should be in-line with these sale prices.  You can review the field cards for these sales in the Assessor’s Office or a summary of the field cards online.

What if I don’t agree with my new assessment?

If you believe that the new estimated fair market value does not accurately reflect the fair market value of your property for the October 1, 2023 Grand List, the first step is for you to contact the Revaluation Company. Included in the November 2023 notice will be instructions on how to schedule an appointment with Vision Government Solutions, Inc. for an Informal Hearing to review your new assessment. A member of the Revaluation Company will go over your property record card with you. No decisions will be made at the time of your hearing. A notice will be mailed to you once your information has been reviewed.

What information do I bring to the Informal Hearing?

During the hearing, the property owner can voice their concerns. Bring any documents, calculations and other evidence you believe correctly determines the value of your property. An appraiser will make the determination as to whether an additional inspection is necessary. Those attending a hearing will receive a notice. 

What if I still don’t agree with the decision from the Informal Hearing?

Connecticut State Law provides for a municipal Board of Assessment Appeals. If you feel that your assessment is incorrect for any reason, you have the right to file a Petition to the Board of Assessment Appeals. The petition must be filed in the Assessor’s Office on or before February 20th. The Petition Form will be available online here or in the Assessor’s Office. Only individuals who have completed and filed a timely Petition Form will be granted a hearing before the Board of Assessment Appeals. If an agent represents you, a Notarized Agent Form must be on file with your petition or brought to your hearing. It is recommended to bring any documents, calculations and other evidence you believe correctly determines the value of your property. The Board may want to schedule a site visit to your property.

What if I still don’t agree with the decision from my Formal Appeal to the Board of Assessment Appeals?

You may appeal the Board’s decision to a Court of Law.

When will the new assessments be effective?

The revaluation will be effective for the October 1, 2023 Grand List. The tax bill you receive in June of 2024 will be based on your new assessment.

How are my taxes determined?

During the town budget process, the financial needs of the town are examined on a department-by-department basis. The Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance arrive at a final budget. This budget must then be approved by referendum. The Board of Finance then sets the Mill Rate, which is the dollar amount of tax due per $1,000 for assessed property in town. 

Please see examples of tax bill calculations below:

For the Grand List year of 2022, the Mill Rate in Lebanon is 29.00. 

$100,000X.70=$70,000X.0290=$2030
Appraised Value Assessment Ratio Assessment Mill Rate Taxes

 

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