CT SB01012

Repeals and replaces section 12-117a to allow persons, including recorded lessees bound to pay property taxes, to appeal property tax assessments to superior court within two months of notice of board action.

Applicants must post bond or recognizance to the town or city, and appeals are prioritized as preferred cases heard at first session unless good cause to delay exists.

During appeal pendency, towns or cities may collect up to 75 percent of assessed taxes (or 90 percent for properties valued at $500,000 or more), with reduced assessments resulting in reimbursement or tax credits plus interest and court-awarded costs.

Prohibits expert witnesses compensated on contingency basis from testifying about property value in appeals under section 12-117a or in relief applications under section 12-119.

Amendments to section 12-119 apply identical contingency fee restrictions to expert testimony in applications for relief from manifestly excessive property tax assessments, effective July 1, 2019.