Mayor Michael Passero and the New London City Council are taking proactive steps to ensure fairness and equity in local taxation by partnering with Municipal Tax Services LLC (MTS), a reputable firm based in Shelton. This contract aims to uncover vehicles that have slipped through the cracks and avoided New London taxes due to their omission from the city’s motor vehicle grand list.
MTS will embark on a thorough “field work” initiative, deploying certified personnel, who will be registered with the Police Department, to traverse the city. Their mission is to identify vehicles not correctly registered with the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), including unregistered cars and those sporting out-of-state license plates.
Under Connecticut General Statutes 12-71, any motor vehicle that "in the normal course of operation, most frequently leaves from and returns to or remains in a town in this state" is subject to taxation by that municipality. When a vehicle’s registration is incorrect or has lapsed, the Tax Assessor does not receive that vital information from the DMV to include it on the tax list.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, the city urges all vehicle owners to verify the accuracy of their registration status before this program begins on June 1, 2025.
Should MTS discover unregistered vehicles, the owner or lessee will receive a letter informing them of the finding. Recipients will then have 30 days to respond and appeal the assessment made by MTS.
It’s important to note that failing to appeal will result in the vehicle owner being considered non-compliant with local laws, leading to its inclusion on the tax bill and a $50 penalty from the tax collector.
There is no need to be concerned about those who have already reported their unregistered vehicles in their personal property declaration. We appreciate your cooperation in this vital initiative to support fair and equitable taxation, so that all residents can continue to benefit from the municipal services offered in our community.
Approved for Release by the Mayor’s Office
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