Q: How do I perform a tax search in Matrix?
A: You can find the Parcel ID numbers in our system by going to the Tax Tab and using the County, Town and Address fields.
Q: What is a Parcel ID Number?
A. Parcel ID (Identification) Number is a unique number assigned to a parcel of real property for the purposes of identification and record keeping. The SmartMLS assigns a unique number to each parcel of real estate property in the State of Connecticut.
Alternative names with the same meaning include:
- Assessor's identification number (AIN)
- Property identification number (PIN)
- Property account number
- Tax account number
- Sidwell number
This number is searchable in the SmartMLS tax search and is input into each listing to attach the public record.
Q: What do I enter if I cannot find the Parcel ID?
A: If there is no match when you search for the Parcel ID, there is no tax record on our system for that address, and you need to enter 999999999 (9 nines) as the Parcel ID.
Q: I'm having a hard time finding the Parcel ID for my listing.
A: Because the Tax Search is an exact match search it is easier if you do not enter too much information when searching for the Parcel ID. Typically entering just the Street Number, Street Name and City is sufficient.
Q: How do I start a listing from a Parcel ID?
A: Go to the Add/Edit tab, click Add New (in the Listings section) and choose the property type of the listing. On the next screen, you need to enter the Parcel ID for the property. This is a unique ID generated within the Matrix system- it is not the tax id from the field card. You can search for it right on this screen. When doing the search, it is usually best to just use the street number and name, County and City. After entering these, click the Search button at the bottom of the screen. If Matrix finds a match, click Fill (in the Click to Fill column) and it will bring you into the listing input screen where you can continue the input by using the tabs at the top of the screen to fill out all of the input fields
Q: Why is the Matrix Parcel ID Different from the Parcel ID on the town field card?
A: The SmartMLS Matrix system does not use the same Parcel ID that you find on a field card. Matrix uses unique parcel ID numbers because our database covers the entire state of Connecticut (whereas the individual town data bases cover only that town, leading to the very real possibility that two separate towns use the same Parcel ID for different properties).
Q: How do I list multiple parcels as a package?
A: How to list multiple parcels as a package
Q: My client got their new tax bill but it is showing a different amount on Matrix, why?
A: The Assessment, Tax Amount and Mil Rate are updated on the SmartMLS once a year around the beginning of the new tax year that begins July 1st. If your client’s property was reassessed during a normal assessment year or after appealing their property taxes the new amount will not show until after the new tax year update is received for that municipality.
Q: I am listing new construction and the updated town field card has not been issued yet. What do I enter for the tax information on my listing?
A: If a new field card has not yet been issued for a new construction/ tear down, you should use 999999999 (nine 9s) as the Parcel ID. You are responsible for entering the correct Mil Rate and Tax Year, but there will be no Tax Amount or Assessment yet, so it is permissible to enter 0 (zero) in the Tax Amount and Assessment Amount fields. The taxes and assessment will appear on the listing as TBD (To Be Determined). This also applies to Tear Down & Rebuilt properties and recently subdivided properties.
Q: How do I enter taxes for a Co-Op?
A: Co-ops are a bit unusual when it comes to the tax record information. Entering tax information is dicey because that is typically factored into the Common Charges. The Tax Amount and Assessment fields are required during Add/Edit, so you cannot just leave them blank. Matrix will accept either a zero (0) or a bunch of 9s for the Tax Amount and Assessment fields. Even though they are required fields, they do not appear on any displays. They will display if you customize a Single Line display and add them to the report, but otherwise you will not see them anywhere but Add/Edit.
Q: What is a Mil Rate?
A: A mil is equal to $1.00 of tax for each $1,000 of assessment. To calculate the property tax, multiply the assessment of the property by the mil rate and divide by 1,000. For example, a property with an assessed value of $50,000 located in a municipality with a mil rate of 20 mils would have a property tax bill of $1,000 per year.
Q: How often are properties revaluated?
A: A revaluation is required to be completed every five years. The purpose of this requirement is to insure uniformity in real property valuations by eliminating inequities that may have developed since the previous revaluation. A revaluation program is undertaken to secure a more equitable distribution of the tax burden, to bring the assessment level up to date, and to modernize assessment procedures. Furthermore, Connecticut law requires that all property be revalued for assessment purposes periodically.
You can view the full revaluation schedule here.
Q: What is the yearly assessor update schedule?
A: Taxes and assessments are updated once a year. The only exception to this would be new construction or tear down/rebuild scenarios.
Most updates, which are up to the individual towns and municipalities, occur between July 1st and the end of September.
We CANNOT update out of schedule.
If you think there is an error on the tax card (public record), please email us at tax@smartmls.com.
Comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.