West Hartford Issues Tax Warning; 25 percent Penalty Possible

West Hartford businesses must file personal property declarations by Nov. 2, 2026, or face a 25% assessment penalty.

By Michael Lemanski, Patch Staff

Oct 29, 2026 6:57 AM EDT

West Hartford officials are reminding business owners and others with taxable personal property that annual declaration forms must be submitted by Monday, Nov. 2. (Tim Jensen/Patch)

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford officials are reminding business owners and others with taxable personal property that annual declaration forms must be submitted by Monday, Nov. 2, to avoid a 25% penalty.

Under Connecticut law, owners of taxable personal property must file declarations with the assessor's office in the municipality where the property is located.

The annual deadline falls on the first Monday in November, which is Nov. 2 this year.

According to the town, property owners who fail to submit their declarations on time will face a 25% penalty added to the full assessment, as required under Connecticut General Statutes Section 12-41(f).

Completed personal property declarations must be submitted to the town assessor by Monday, Nov. 2, to avoid the statutory penalty.

What Property Must Be Declared?

Personal property generally includes tangible items that are not permanently attached to real estate.

Examples include:

Unregistered motor vehicles.
Furniture and fixtures.
Business equipment.
Supplies.

The town's Assessment Office mails declaration forms to business personal property owners each fall as a courtesy.

However, property owners remain responsible for filing their declarations by the deadline, even if they do not receive a form in the mail.

How To File

Business owners can obtain personal property declaration forms through the town's website or visit the Assessment Office at West Hartford Town Hall, Room 142.

New business personal property owners in West Hartford are also asked to complete the town's New Business Personal Property Affidavit online.

Some businesses may need to submit an additional Manufacturing, Machinery and Equipment Exemption Claim Form, including an itemized listing of qualifying property.

Those forms are also available through the Assessment Office.

Residents and business owners seeking additional information can contact the West Hartford Assessment Office or visit West Hartford Town Hall, 50 S. Main St.