tax bills--will those who have hardships be given more time to pay their April Westchester County, Town and Fire district taxes?
I support the hardship legislation
A few weeks ago I contacted the County Executive suggesting that taxpayers who face hardships as a result of the Coronavirus be given an extension of time to pay their tax bills. Tax bills just went out and taxes are due on April 30th.
The town cannot unilaterally grant the extension. At yesterday’s conference call with town officials the County Executive indicated that he has forwarded to the Westchester County Board of Legislators a proposed law that would grant hardship extensions to those who can show economic hardships by April 30th. The proposed law would provide taxpayers an extension till July 15th.
Under the proposal penalties will be waived for those who meet the hardship criteria and who pay their tax bill by July 15th. The town guarantees the county 100% of the taxes whether we collect them or not. The county of Westchester will not incur any financial losses since only the town governments will assume the financial losses. I had originally hoped that both the county and towns would share the pain.
I believe that local governments should try to help those who are suffering due to the Coronavirus crisis. The Town Supervisors Association, which I am a member of, will work with County Legislators as they finalize the legislation that would authorize this penalty waiver. Please be advised that the legislation has not been finalized as of now --it’s just a proposal.
The town also collects taxes for the three paid fire districts. I have heard from the Fairview and Hartsdale Fire districts--they support hardship provisions. Am waiting for a response from Greenville. Each of the three districts will have to endorse the extension for their residents.
PAUL FEINER