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Connecticut Superior Court Upholds Charitable Property Tax Exemptions for Nonprofit Residential Care Facilities

The Connecticut Superior Court recently issued an important decision addressing charitable property tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations operating residential housing for individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions. The case provides significant guidance regarding General Statutes § 12-81(7) and nonprofit tax exemption eligibility in Connecticut.the Superior Court ruled in favor of The Caring Community of…

C. Scott Schwefel to Speak at American Bar Association’s National Conference

We’re proud to announce that partner C. Scott Schwefel will be speaking at the ABA Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law’s 38th Annual National CLE Conference at the Loews Hotel in Chicago, IL. Scott’s program, “Under All Lies the Land: Highest and Best Use,” will take place on May 1, 2026, offering valuable…

Connecticut Appellate Court Confirms Property Tax Exemption for Church-Owned Property Leased to For-Profit Daycare

In Lee Memorial Methodist Church of Norwich, Connecticut v. City of Norwich, the Connecticut Appellate Court affirmed the trial court’s decision holding that property owned by a religious organization and leased to a for-profit daycare operator qualifies for a tax exemption under General Statutes § 12-81(14). The court concluded that the statute’s plain language requires only…

Attorney C. Scott Schwefel Testifies at the State Capitol Advocating for Affordable Health Coverage

On March 3, 2026, Shipman, Shaiken & Schwefel, LLC partner, Attorney C. Scott Schwefel, testified before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Insurance & Real Estate Committee as part of a delegation from the Connecticut Bar Association regarding House Bill 5378 and its impact on solo practitioners, small law firms and small businesses. He shared accounts of…

2025 Connecticut Municipal Property Tax Revaluations: What Property Owners Should Know

Municipal property tax revaluations are currently underway across Connecticut. If you own property in one of the towns listed below, you will soon receive a notice informing you of your new assessment. Revaluations can significantly affect taxable assessed value, and property owners should take the time to carefully review and verify their assessment. Municipalities Currently…

Connecticut Property Tax Appeals for Commercial Property Owners

Reduce Your Connecticut Property Taxes — Protect Your Bottom Line Excessive property tax assessments directly impact profitability and asset value. For commercial landlords, real estate investors, and property managers, challenging an inaccurate assessment is not merely a right — it is a sound business decision that safeguards your bottom line. Why File a Property Tax…

Shipman, Shaiken & Schwefel, LLC Partners Recognized In The 2026 Edition Of The Best Lawyers in America®

Congratulations to Shipman, Shaiken & Schwefel, LLC partners David Shaiken and Lawrence Shipman for their inclusion in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. ### West Hartford, CT, United States, August 21, 2025 — Shipman, Shaiken & Schwefel, LLC is pleased to announce that 2 lawyers have been included in the 2026 edition…

Connecticut Appellate Court Decision Underscores The Need For Properly Documented And Council-Approved Tax Abatement Agreements

The Connecticut Appellate Court recently affirmed a trial court decision in Park Seymour Associates, LLC v. City of Hartford, rejecting a property owner’s challenge to real estate tax assessments tied to alleged tax abatement agreements. The plaintiffs, Park Seymour Associates, LLC and Park Squire Associates, LLC, argued that their Hartford apartment properties were subject to…

Connecticut Appellate Court Clarifies Property Tax Income-Expense Reporting Obligations

In Greenwich Retail, LLC v Town of Greenwich, the Connecticut Appellate Court affirmed a trial court’s ruling upholding a 10% tax penalty imposed on the property owner for failure to timely submit income and expense information under General Statutes § 12-63c. The case addressed a key statutory interpretation question: must a tax assessor’s form be…

Market Changes Pose Serious Challenges for Connecticut Property Owners Facing Condemnation

By C. Scott Schwefel When the State of Connecticut or local municipalities seek to acquire private property for major public projects—such as highway expansions, public transit developments, or infrastructure improvements—property owners may face the legal process known as condemnation. Residential properties, vacant land, and commercial real estate throughout Connecticut are at risk under Connecticut eminent…