What is a ‘statutory lien’ in Connecticut property taxes?

A statutory lien in the context of Connecticut property taxes refers to the legal claim that a municipality holds against a property for unpaid taxes. When property taxes are not paid, the municipality has the right to place a lien on the property, which indicates that the municipality is owed money and can take steps to collect that debt. This lien typically takes precedence over other claims against the property, meaning that in the event of a sale or foreclosure, the owed taxes must be settled before any other debts can be addressed.

This mechanism is essential for municipalities to ensure they can collect revenue needed for public services and infrastructure. It serves as a tool for tax enforcement and underscores the importance of timely tax payments by property owners. The other options presented do not accurately depict the nature of a statutory lien: a voluntary payment agreement, penalties for excessive tax collection, and disputes regarding tax assessments each describe different scenarios unrelated to the definitive legal claim that a statutory lien represents.