Groton Paying More Tax Refunds Due to Assessment Appeals Settled in Court

Tax refunds for real estate in Groton have increased becuase of assessment appeals that have been settled in the courts, according to a report filed by the tax collector.

"To date, we have received stipulated judgments on 25 properties that have resulted in either a re-application of funds already received or refund of excess payment due to reduced assessment," said the report by Tax Collector Cindy Small.

The appeals have reduced the orginal amount received for the current year, she said.

In addition, the number of refunds processed for motor vehicles has increased due to more than 350 bills that were valued incorrectly, the report said.

"Any correction that resulted in an overpayment on the account was either applied to another open bill or refunded to the taxpayer," the report said.

The Oct. 1, 2012 net ajusted taxable grand list fell 1.3 percent after the Board of Assessment Appeals, according to a memo by Town Assessor Mary Gardner. The motor vehicle portion of the grand list dropped 2.5 percent, due partly to decreased value of some cars, fewer motor vehicles registered and military exemptions, the memo said.