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1. Are property record cards and maps available online to view and print?

Yes. You can view or print property cards and maps online by visiting:

• Online Property Maps
• Online Property Record Cards

2. Are there tax relief programs for elderly homeowners, veterans, disabled residents, legally blind residents?

Yes, please see the Tax Relief page for information regarding all available tax relief programs.

3. Do I need to notify the Assessment Office that I opened a business in Town?

Yes. Please fill out the New Business Personal Property Form if you have either started a new business in Town or have relocated your business to the Town of Rocky Hill.

4. How are motor vehicle values determined?

As recommended by the State of Connecticut we use 70% of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) clean retail value.

5. How do I request an extension to file my Business Personal Property Declaration?

A request must be made in writing and mailed, emailed, faxed or dropped off in the Assessment Office by November 1st. Please include the name of the business and account number (if available) with said request.

6. I am a new Rocky Hill resident. How long do I have to register my vehicle here?

According to the CT Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), once you have established residency in Connecticut, you have 30 days to transfer your out-of-state license to Connecticut and 60 days to transfer your vehicle registration(s). If you are transferring from one town to another within Connecticut, you may obtain the necessary forms online at the DMV website.

7. I have noticed vehicles with out-of-state license plates parked for a period over 60 days. What can I do?

Residents who notice out-of-state license plates on a vehicle for a period over 60 days may file a complaint with the CT Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). All complaints must be sent in writing to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Registration Compliance Unit
Room 331
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161

The complaint must include the name of the person and his/her Connecticut address, the state and out-of-state registration number on the vehicle in question and any other pertinent information. Any further questions regarding this matter should be directed to the Compliance Review Unit at 860-263-5260, Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Please also notify the Assessment Office so we can make a notation.

8. I own a business in Town. Am I required to file a Declaration of Business Personal Property?

As required by state statute, all businesses in Connecticut must file an annual Declaration of Personal Property (assets used for the business) by November 1st to the town in which said business is located. For more information, visit the Business Personal Property page.

9. What if my vehicle was sold, junked, totaled, stolen, donated, repossessed, registered out-of-state?

Please see our Motor Vehicle page regarding questions about motor vehicle assessment adjustments.

10. What is a Declaration of Personal Property?

The Declaration of Personal Property is a form used to declare all assets used for a business to the Town in which said business is located. This declaration should not include inventory.

11. What is the due date for Declarations of Business Personal Property?

The due date of Business Personal Property Declarations is November 1st, annually.

12. When is the next revaluation scheduled for the Rocky Hill?

Contact the Assessor's Office by calling 860-258-2722 to obtain more information about the next scheduled revaluation date.

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1. What is a revaluation?

Revaluation is the mass appraisal process by which the town develops values for each property based on a review of the current real estate market and individual property characteristics. By state law all property is assessed at 70% of market value.

2. Why is revaluation needed?

Connecticut State Statute 12-62(b) requires that a revaluation be done at least once every five years in all municipalities. The last revaluation in Rocky Hill was completed October 1, 2018.

3. Who is responsible for the revaluation?

The Town of Rocky Hill is responsible for the revaluation.

4. What happens during revaluation?

Staff in the Assessment Office study recent property sales in town. This study of recent property sales allows the staff to establish parameters to estimate the value of all properties. Using comparisons with recent sales, the staff to then gather and review these parameters and apply them to all properties in order to approximate the market value of each property.

5. What is the definition of market value?

Market value is the most probable price in terms of money which a property would sell for in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale.

Conditions of a fair sale:

• Buyer and seller are typically motivated
• Both parties are well informed and are acting in their best interest(s)
• Reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market
• Payment is made in cash or its equivalent
• The price is unaffected by financing amounts or sales concessions

6. How will the homeowner be notified of the new assessment?

Each homeowner will receive an individual notice of the new assessment from the Assessor's Office.

7. If homeowners disagree with the assessment, what are their options?

If any property owner disagrees with or has questions regarding their assessment, they should schedule an informal hearing.

8. What is an informal hearing?

An informal hearing is a forum meant to answer questions on the new property valuations. Homeowners are asked to come prepared with documentation regarding specific issues with their new assessments. Staff will take notes as to the property owners' concerns and specifics regarding their property. Each property that had an informal hearing will then be reviewed on an individual basis to determine if there is a change of value warranted.

9. If after an informal hearing, the homeowner still disagrees with the assessment, what is the next step?

If, after an informal hearing, a property owner still disagrees with the property assessment, the homeowner may then petition before the Board of Assessment Appeals. The Board of Assessment Appeals will review the petition and make a determination as to the disposition of the appeal.

10. How does a homeowner apply for an appeal with the board of assessment appeals?

Applications will be available starting January 1 in the Assessment Office or online on the Assessor page. For current information on application due dates, visit the Board of Assessment Appeals page.

11. What should homeowners bring to the Board of Assessment Appeals?

Homeowners should bring any information to support why they believe their property assessment is incorrect. Please visit the Board of Assessment Appeals page for more details.

12. How can a homeowner compare how other properties have been valued?

A listing of all Rocky Hill property assessments can be accessed via the Online Property Record Cards page. Any property assessment can be found by entering the property address, parcel ID, or owner name.

13. What other resources are available in the Assessment Office?

Other resources that are available in the Assessment Office include monthly sales books. These books are organized by style of the property and then alphabetized by street name. These sales books include sales information as well as detailed information about the property.

Computers are also available in the Assessment Office to review property information and maps.

14. What is the next step after a Board of Assessment Appeal if a homeowner still disagrees with the property value?

If a homeowner disagrees with the decision of the Board of Assessment Appeals, they must make an application to Superior Court within two months of the Board of Assessment Appeals' decision letter.

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1. How do I request copies of police reports?

Requests for copies of a police report can be made in person from the Records Division during its hours of operation, Monday thru Friday 8:00AM to 4:00PM, or requested by mail (see below).  A fee of $.50 is charged for an incident or accident report (cash or checks only). Please note that all reports, including motor vehicle accidents are available 5-10 business days from the date of incident.

Requests by mail must include the case number along with payment, as well as a self-addressed stamped envelope. The case number and payment amount can be obtained by calling the above listed number. All request made by mail should be sent to:

Rocky Hill Police Department
Records Division
699 Old Main St.
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

The release of records is guided by State and Federal law. Cases in which the charges have been dismissed or erased are not available for release in accordance with CGS 54-142a or by any of the statute’s subsections. The Rocky Hill Police Department maintains and retains all reports in accordance with State statute and the Office of the Public Administrator’s various retention schedules.

2. How to obtain fingerprints?

Fingerprinting services are available to Town residents and those who work in the Town of Rocky Hill. For those who work in the Town and are non-residents, there is a $15.00 fee that is payable by cash or check. Those who are in need of fingerprinting services may schedule an appointment by calling the Records Division at 860-258-2783. Any individual who has been provided a service code for their process must pre-enroll through the following website prior to scheduling an appointment. You will be required to provide your Applicant Tracking Number at the time you schedule your appointment.

https://ct.flexcheck.us.idemia.io/cchrspreenroll/

3. How do I obtain a pistol permit application?

Please visit our Pistol Permits, Firearms Sales and Transfers page for directions and downloadable forms or visit the police department Records Division during operational hours for the required documentation.

4. Do you do In-house records checks for an individual?

The Records Division can conduct a local (Town of Rocky Hill) record check by visiting the Department during regular business hours. Local records checks consist of incidents that have occurred within the Town of Rocky Hill only. A State of Connecticut records check can be made by visiting the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (State Police) website at and following their instructions.

5. How can I obtain a vendor permit?

Vendor permit applications are available; anyone with questions or concerns regarding vendor permits should contact Teri Gustafson at 860-258-2704.

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1. How much does the program cost?

Zero! Nothing! Nada! Free! All Simple Recycling programs are offered free of cost to cities, residents and participants.

2. What happens to the collected clothing?

All of the materials are graded and sorted locally and/or regionally based on quality and condition. The top quality materials will be resold to local thrift outlets, mid grade is exported to international markets and "unusable" items are processed for raw materials.

Learn more by viewing The Life Cycle of Secondhand Clothing (PDF).

3. Is Simple Recycling a nonprofit organization?

No, Simple Recycling is a for-profit recycler that is committed to offering residents the most simple and easy way to keep usable materials from the landfill. If you would prefer to donate items to charity, we recommend the free home pickup service of the DonateStuff website.

4. What items do you accept?

Our primary focus is on clothing and accessories but we also take small usable household discards. Please review the list on the Simple Recycling page for more information.

5. Is the trash truck going to pick up my stuff?

No, there will be a separate Simple Recycling truck that will pick up your designated bags/items.

6. What if I don’t live in your pickup area?

If you are not in our designated pickup area, we recommend using the DonateStuff website for a free charitable donation collection program nationwide.

7. Do you have a limit on how much stuff you will take?

No, as long as the items qualify as the types of items we are able to accept, we can take as much as you would like.

8. Can you give me a tax receipt?

No, we are not a nonprofit organization. If you would prefer to donate your items to a charity and receive a tax receipt, we recommend using the DonateStuff website.

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1. Can I pay more than one tax bill with one check?

Yes, you may pay all bills with one check; reference all bill numbers on the check.

2. How can I avoid receiving a penalty?

To avoid a penalty, payment must be federally postmarked, hand delivered, or made online on or before the installment due dates of August 1st or February 1st. Payments made after the installment due dates will incur interest at the rate of 1.5% per month from the original due date. Therefore, interest accrued in August is 3% (1.5% for July and 1.5% for August) and interest accrued in February for second installment payments and supplemental motor vehicle bills is 3% (1.5% for January and 1.5% for February).

3. How is a receipt obtained?

Methods of receiving receipts include:

• Print a copy of your payment history online via our Online Portal. Payments are reflected online one business day after being posted in the tax office.
• If you are mailing payment and would like a receipt by return mail, enclose entire bill with a self-addressed stamped envelope. A receipt will be returned to you.
• If paying in person, a receipt will be provided to you upon payment.

At any time you may call the tax office at 860-258-2717 and request a receipt to be mailed out to you.

4. If I received a tax bill for my property and my bank is responsible for making payment, what should I do?

Forward your bill to the bank. Then ask your bank to contact the Tax Office to request that all future tax bills be sent directly to them.

5. Is there tax relief for the elderly?

If you are over the age of 65 and meet income limits set by the State of CT, you may be eligible for future tax relief. Visit the Assessor's Office page for more information. The application period is between February 1st and May 15th.

6. Is there tax relief for veterans?

Yes. You may be eligible for future tax relief. Visit the Assessor's Office page or call 860-258-2722 for more information.

7. What are the ways I can pay my tax bill?

Option 1

Pay by electronic check or by debit/credit card via our Online Portal. There is a convenience fee for a credit card of 2.50% of the transaction amount and a flat transaction fee for a debit card of $3.95. There is no fee for paying by electronic check. Convenience fees are nonrefundable.

Option 2

Mail payment in the enclosed return envelope.

Option 3

Payments can be placed in the Town Hall drop box. The drop box is located at the main entrance to Town Hall located at 761 Old Main Street. Payments must be received by midnight of the due date. No cash payments are accepted in the drop box.

Option 4

Paying in person. There can be long lines in the Tax Office during collection months. For fastest service when paying in person, have your tax bill with you and your check filled out. Write your bill number(s) on your check. You may also "drop off" payments at the tax office drop box located at the door of the main entrance to the Town Hall.

8. What is the current mill rate?

Visit the Tax Collector page to review the current mill rate.

9. What period of time does my bill cover?

Motor Vehicle

Motor vehicle tax bills are due on July 1 and are for vehicles registered as of October 1st of the previous year. They cover the period of October 1st through September 30th (e.g. the tax bill due July 1, 2023 covers the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023).

Supplemental motor vehicle bills are due on January 1st and cover the month of registration through September (e.g. a new car is registered November of 2022. The bill is due January 1, 2024 and covers November 2022 through September 2023).

Real Estate

Real Estate taxes are billed in two installments. The first installment is due July 1st and covers the period of July 1st through December 31st. The second installment is due January 1st and covers the period of January 1st through June 30th.

Business Personal Property

Business Personal Property taxes are billed in two installments unless the total bill is $300 or less for the year. The first installment is due July 1st and the second installment is due January 1st. The bills are based on the assessment as of October 1st of the previous year and are never prorated.

10. When is my tax payment due?

Due dates for the first and second installments of tax payments can be found on the Tax Collector page.

11. How can I obtain my payment history for income tax purposes?

Available methods include:

• Print a copy of your payment history via our Online Portal.  Payments are reflected on-line one business day after being posted in the tax office.  
• Call the Tax Office at 860-258-2717 to have a printout emailed, faxed, or mailed to you.
• Visit the Tax Collector’s Office at 761 Old Main Street in person to obtain a printout of your payment history.

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1. How do I obtain a death certificate?

To obtain a certified copy of a death certificate by mail please submit to the Town Clerk:

• Photocopy of driver's license
• Indicate relationship to deceased (include supporting documentation)
• $20 per copy, check or money order made payable to Town of Rocky Hill

Certified copies of death certificates can be obtained for anyone who was living in Rocky Hill at the time of the event or who died in the Town of Rocky Hill from 1854 until present.

2. How do I obtain my birth certificate?

Birth certificates are available only to the individual or their spouse, parent, child, or grandparent. In order to obtain a copy of a birth certificate, you must provide your:

• Name at birth
• Date of birth
• Photocopy of your driver's license or photo identification (ID)
• Your mother's maiden name

To request a certified copy of a birth certificate through the mail, you will put in writing the previously listed items and mail it in with a copy of a government-issued photo ID. You must sign the request before mailing it to our office. Birth certificates can be obtained in the town where the child was born or in the town where the mother resided at the time of birth.

You may request a birth certificate either by mail or in person at 761 Old Main Street.

3. What do I need for a dog license?

If your dog is six months or older, state law requires that you obtain a license in the town where you reside. Licensing renewal time is the month of June, but you can license your dog at any time throughout the year. When you come for your first license, you must bring the rabies vaccination certificate issued by your veterinarian. The metal tag is not an acceptable proof of vaccination. The certificate will usually indicate whether the dog has been spayed or neutered, but if not, you'll need to present a separate certificate issued by your veterinarian.

Current fees are $8 for spayed and neutered dogs, and $19 for others.

4. Where can a hunting or fishing license be purchased online?

Buy your sporting license online at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Online Sportsman Licensing website.