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East Haven Begins Revaluation, with Changes

In accordance with state statute, the Town of East Haven has begun its next town wide real property revaluation for the Oct. 1, 2021 Grand List. Equality Valuation Services, which was the low bidder, has been awarded the contract for the project. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other format changes implemented contractually, this revaluation will be conducted somewhat differently than it has been in the past.

The customary home visitations will only be required if exterior discrepancies between the aerial flyover photo images, which have already taken place, and the town’s current building sketches are noted. There will be no interior inspections. All company inspectors will be registered with both the Assessor’s Office and the East Haven Police Department and residents are encouraged to contact either office should any concerns arise over who visits their home.

For all properties that have been transferred during the course of this revaluation, the new owner will receive a sales verification form to ensure that all information regarding the sale is accurate. Again, no interior inspection is required.

All residential property owners will receive a data mailer near the Thanksgiving 2020 holiday. This form will contain all pertinent information relative to the interior and exterior of the dwelling or condominium that is presently on record with the town. This is the fundamental basis of the valuation of that property. Public participation is greatly needed for this critical aspect of the process as the accuracy of this data is imperative. The town encourages each owner to take five minutes to review this paperwork as this is a major component of what their taxes will be based on for the next five years. Any corrections found should be forwarded to Equality Valuation Services immediately.

Those properties with building permits for home improvements or new construction will be visited for exterior onsite inspections by the assessor only. Commercial and industrial properties will be receiving income and expense forms that will assist evaluators in determining their fair market value. These will be mailed in spring 2021 with a return date of June 1, 2021. Those failing to return this form will receive a one-time 25 percent penalty added to their real estate assessment per state statute.

Those with questions about any aspect of the revaluation at any time during the entire process may contact 203-468-3233.