Land Records

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LAND RECORDS

Overview


The Town Clerk’s Office maintains the Land Records — permanent public records of deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, maps, and other real-property instruments affecting title to land. These records are indexed and accessible to the public. Copies, certified copies, and research assistance are available in office or by request. 

Office Hours & Recording Times
  • Office Hours: Monday–Wednesday 8:30am-3:30pm (Open for Lunch) 
  • Land Records may be dropped off on Thursdays to the Selectman's Office and will be processed the next business day.
  • Last Recording Time: 3:00 PM
    -Documents received after the cutoff will be recorded the next business day.

Recording Requirements

To record a document on the Land Records, each instrument must have:

  • Original signature(s)

  • Proper notarization/acknowledgment

  • Complete legal description

  • Property address and Town name

  • Return address on the top/first page
    (These requirements help avoid rejections or delays.)

Recording Fees – Effective July 1, 2025

(Set by Connecticut law, Public Act 25-168)
Standard Recording
Recording any land record document (non-nominee) | $70.00 first page
Each additional page | $5.00
Additional surcharge per deed with conveyance tax | $2.00

Nominee (MERS / DART) Recording

Assignment or Release where Nominee is Grantor | $160.00 (flat)
All other nominee documents | $160.00 + $5/additional page

“Nominee” refers to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS), DART, or similar entities listed as nominee on the instrument. 

Conveyance Tax

A Conveyance Tax Return (Form OP-236) must accompany all deeds conveying real property. The tax due is calculated based on sale price, and must be submitted with the document. The Town Clerk forwards the State portion to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. 

  • State conveyance tax (varies by property type & value)

  • Local / municipal conveyance tax (typically 0.25% of sale price)
    (Specific conveyance tax rates and forms available on the CT Department of Revenue Services website.)

Electronic Filing of OP-236 Through myCTREC

The North Canaan Town Clerk’s Office accepts Form OP-236, Connecticut Real Estate Conveyance Tax Return, electronically through myCTREC.

myCTREC is the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services’ secure online system for electronic filing of real estate conveyance tax returns and applicable payments.

Who Can File Electronically?


Form OP-236 may be submitted through myCTREC by the:

  • Grantor/Seller

  • Grantor’s Attorney

  • Authorized Agent

A myCTREC username is required to electronically submit or approve an OP-236. Previous e-REC credentials cannot be used.

How to File an OP-236 Electronically

  1. Go to the Connecticut DRS myCTREC website and log in or create a myCTREC account.

  2. Under File OP-236, select File OP-236.

  3. Enter the required information for the real estate conveyance transaction.

  4. Upload any required schedules or supporting documentation.

  5. If state conveyance tax is due, enter the required electronic payment information.

  6. Complete the Declaration of Taxpayer(s) section and provide the required electronic signature.

  7. Review the information carefully and select Submit.

  8. After submission, a confirmation page will be displayed. Keep the confirmation number for your records.

What Happens After Submission?

The electronically filed OP-236 is sent to the North Canaan Town Clerk’s Office for review.

The Town Clerk will review the return in connection with the recording of the deed or other applicable instrument. Once the return is approved and the recording information is entered, the OP-236 and any associated state conveyance tax payment authorization are forwarded electronically to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.

Do not mail a duplicate copy of an electronically filed OP-236 to DRS. Doing so may result in duplicate filings or processing delays.

Important

Electronic submission of the OP-236 does not replace the recording of the deed or other land record document with the Town Clerk’s Office.

Please ensure that the related recording documents and all applicable municipal recording and conveyance fees are submitted to the Town Clerk as required.

Helpful Links

myCTREC – Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
Use myCTREC to create an account, file an OP-236, submit applicable state conveyance tax payments, and check your submission.
myCTREC

myCTREC Tutorials
DRS also provides step-by-step tutorials for creating a submitter account and filing a Real Estate Conveyance Tax Return.
Tutorials

Maps
Standard property/survey map | $20.00
Subdivision map (3+ parcels) | $30.00

Maps must meet Town and State standards (dimensions, ink, signatures) to be accepted for recording.

Copies & Certifications
Copy of land record document (per page) | $1.00
Certified copy (in addition to copy fee) | $2.00/document
Map copies: $2.00


Search & Access
  • Onsite research terminals in the Town Clerk’s office allow free index searches and viewing.

  • Staff can assist with locating volumes/pages upon request.

eRecording

The Town Clerk’s Office accepts electronic recordings through approved vendors such as Simplifile, CSC, ePN, or Indecomm.
Please contact the office for vendor setup instructions and required formats. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I record by mail or courier?
A: Yes. Include the completed instrument, all required forms (including OP-236 for deeds), fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.


Q: Do you prepare legal documents or provide legal advice?
A: No. The Town Clerk can only record completed documents. For legal preparation, consult a licensed attorney.


Q: How long before a recording is available online?
A: Most recordings become available same day or within a few business days after processing.

Important Notices
  • Disclaimers: The Town Clerk’s Office does not provide legal advice. Recording services only reflect the documents submitted.

  • Fee Changes: Recording fees are established by State law and may change on July 1 each year.