On April 1, 2020 Governor Lamont signed Executive Order 7-S which established the Tax Deferment and Interest Rate Reduction programs aimed at providing temporary tax relief to taxpayers due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Municipalities were required to offer at least one of these programs to their taxpayers. The Newington Town Council voted to adopt both programs on April 14th which extends both programs to taxpayers with the exception of Landlords and Escrow companies as outlined in Executive Order 7S, Section 6.
The Low Interest Rate Program is extended to all taxpayers that have delinquent taxes at a reduced interest rate from 18% annually or 1.5% monthly to 3% annually or .25% monthly for a period of 90 days, ending July 1, 2020. This program allows taxpayers who have delinquent balances a reduction, but if payment is not received by July 1, 2020 the interest rate reverts back to 18% as if the “Low Interest Rate Program” never existed.
The Deferment Program offers an extension of ninety days for taxpayers to pay their July 1, 2020 tax bills which normally have a grace period of 30 days be extended to 90 days with the last day to pay being extended until October 1st. On October 2nd, the interest will be restored and will be calculated based on the July 1st due date of 1.5% per month. There will be no exceptions.
The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management issued guidance by creating a form for all Landlords (any taxpayer that rents or leases property to tenants or lessees) affected by COVID-19 to apply for the Deferment Program. They must provide the Tax Collector with documentation that either the parcel will suffer a significant income decline, or, that commensurate forbearance has been offered to their tenants. The COVID-19 Tax Relief form can be obtained from the Tax/Revenue Collector at caldinger@newingtonct.gov or on the Newington Tax Collector’s website. The application must be received by June 30th for approval. There will be no exceptions. The form may be mailed to Newington Revenue Collector, 131 Cedar St., Newington, CT 06111 or emailed.
For more information go to COVID-19 Tax Relief Program page.