Connecticut Quitclaim Deed Form

Last Updated: February 28, 2024 by Rukshani Lye

What is a Quitclaim Deed in Connecticut? 

In Connecticut, a quitclaim deed is used to transfer property from an owner (“Grantor”) to a new owner (“Grantee”) without any promises or guarantees about the property’s title or condition.

Most quitclaim deeds in Connecticut contain a “quitclaim covenant” through which the Grantee is guaranteed that the Grantor, their heirs, executors, and administrators, will not make any future claims to the title of the property.

Quitclaim deeds are a quick way to transfer property but they offer the lowest security among real estate deeds in Connecticut.

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What is the Difference Between a Quitclaim Deed and a Warranty Deed in Connecticut?

The main difference between quitclaim deeds and warranty deeds in Connecticut is that a quitclaim deed provides less security to the Grantee. 

A warranty deed provides legal protection to the new owner because it confirms that the Grantor owns the property and has the right to make a transfer.

Warranty deeds are mostly used for real estate transactions in Connecticut. Quitclaim deeds, on the other hand, are used for transfers between family and friends.

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How Do Quitclaim Deeds Work in Connecticut?

Laws surrounding quitclaim deeds are found in Title 47 of the Connecticut General Statutes, titled Land and Land Titles.

In Connecticut, a quitclaim deed has specific language, transferring the title from the Grantor to the Grantee, including the quitclaim covenant. 

Once prepared, the quitclaim deed must be filed at the Town Clerk’s Office in the town where the property is located.

Can You Prepare Your Own Quitclaim Deed in Connecticut?

You can prepare your own quitclaim deed in Connecticut. A professional drafter is not legally required. 

Connecticut Quitclaim Deed Requirements

For a quitclaim to be legally valid in Connecticut, the deed must follow certain state-specific rules.

Formatting Requirements

Formatting requirements for quitclaim deeds in Connecticut include:

  1. Paper size: maximum legal (8.5 x 14).
  2. Text must be legible and photocopiable; typed or printed only. 
  3. Margins: top margin on first page is reserved for return information; all remaining pages should have a minimum 0.75-inch margin on all sides.

Content Requirements

Content requirements for quitclaim deeds in Connecticut include: 

  1. Grantor’s name and address. 
  2. Grantee’s name and address.
  3. Return name and address
  4. The title as “Quitclaim Deed.” 
  5. Date of transfer.
  6. Property address.
  7. Property description.
  8. Consideration clause – the value of the property or the amount of money exchanged.   
  9. Granting clause –  a statement describing the transfer the parties have agreed to. 

Who Signs a Quitclaim Deed in Connecticut?

For a quitclaim deed to be legally valid in Connecticut, it must be signed by the Grantor.

The Grantor’s signature must be acknowledged by two witnesses, one of whom should be a notary public or an authorized official.

How to File a Quitclaim Deed in Connecticut 

Here’s how to file a quitclaim deed in Connecticut: 

  1. Prepare the quitclaim deed with the information required.
  2. Payment of taxes and fees.
    • Most town clerk’s offices in Connecticut require the tax amount to be paid before processing the deed. 
    • If the transfer qualifies for taxation, ensure the correct amount is prepared and provided to the clerk when submitting for recording.
  3. If the transfer is based on a real estate transaction, the following forms may be required:  
    1. Fair Housing Notice.
      For properties with two or more units, the Grantor must have the Grantee sign a disclosure with information on housing discrimination and fair housing laws provided by the CT Commission on Human Rights and Opportunity.
    2. Property Condition Disclosure Report.
      The Grantor must complete a statement disclosing any defects in the property being transferred.
  4. Ensure that the Grantor’s signature is acknowledged before a witness and a notary public.
  5. Once prepared, the quitclaim deed must be filed at the Town Clerk’s Office in the jurisdiction in which the property is located.

    How Much Does it Cost to File a Quitclaim Deed in Connecticut?

    In Connecticut, the minimum charge for filing a quitclaim deed is $60. The breakdown of the fees is as follows:

    • Fee for recording documents conforming to a statutory form: 
      • First page is $10
      • Each additional page is $5
      • Additional fees for filing land records of the municipality:
        • Preservation and management of historic documents fee: $10
        • Local capital improvement project fee: $40

        What Taxes Are Owed on Quitclaim Deeds in Connecticut?

        In Connecticut, the transfer of property using a quitclaim deed triggers the following taxes both at the state and local level:  

        1. Real Estate Conveyance Tax.
          This tax is assessed at both the state and municipal levels. The tax amount is determined based on either the property’s value at the time of transfer or the sale price paid.
          1. State Conveyance Tax:
            • The tax rate is 0.75% on transfers between $2,000 to $800,000.
            • The tax rate is 1.25% on transfers over $800,000.
            • The tax rate is 2.25% on transfers over $2.5 million.
          2. Local Conveyance Tax:
              • The tax rate is 0.25% on transfers valued at least $2,000. 
              • The tax rate is 0.50% for the following 18 towns:
                Bloomfield, Bridgeport, Bristol, East Hartford, Groton, Hamden, Hartford, Meriden, Middletown, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Southington, Stamford, Waterbury, and Windham.
          3. Many transfers that are generally filed under quitclaim deeds are exempt from Conveyance Tax, including:
              • Deeds with no consideration and up to $2,000.
              • Deeds between spouses.
              • Transfers without change in beneficial ownership.
              • Deeds for property partition.
              • Court-ordered transfers, including an annulment or dissolved marriage.

                2. Controlling Interest Transfer Tax.

                  • This tax applies to property transfers that involve changing ownership interests in the property.
                  • The tax rate is 1.11% of the property’s “present true and actual value”.
                  • It applies toward real estate transfers worth $2,000 or more.

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                How Long Does a Quitclaim Deed Take to be Recorded in Connecticut?

                The time it takes to record a quitclaim deed in Connecticut can vary significantly depending on the town. Most Clerk’s Offices make an electronic copy available on the next business day. However, if a paper copy is requested, it may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

                What Happens After a Quitclaim Deed is Recorded in Connecticut?

                Once the quitclaim deed is submitted for recording, the Town Clerk’s Office assigns a volume and page number to the document. It is then indexed before being added to a master list of Grantor/Grantee records. 

                Finally, a paper copy of the quitclaim deed is placed in a hard-cover book in the town’s vault for public access, and it is also made available online.

                How Long Are Quitclaim Deeds Valid For in Connecticut? 

                There is no expiration for quitclaim deeds in Connecticut. However, the statute of limitations for a breach of a written contract is 6 years.

                 

                  Sources

                  Quitclaim Deed Form in Other States