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COVID-19 2021 Property Tax Relief Program

 

Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 9R issued December 17, 2020 extends the two programs for municipal tax payments to apply to tax deadlines and collection efforts for tax bills that become due and payable on January 1, 2021.

On April 16, 2020, the Board of Selectmen voted to adopt two programs for property tax relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both programs are authorized by Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 7-S issued April 1, 2020: a temporary deferment of tax collections. In effect, an extended grace period for those eligible. (the “Tax Deferment Program”); and a significantly reduced interest rate on delinquent payments of taxes due and payable (the “Interest Rate Reduction Program”).

You must APPLY to be eligible for the Deferment Program.

 

The Deferment Program requires a showing of COVID-19 financial impact, and the taxpayer must file an application with the Tax Collector no later than February 1, 2021 in order to qualify. The Interest Rate Reduction Program does not require an application to be filed by the taxpayer.

The Tax Deferment Application is available by following the link: Application for Municipal/Quasi-Municipal Tax Relief Deferral Program.

The application form and supporting documentation must be received no later than February 1, 2021 by the Tax Collector, Town of Durham P.O. Box 428, Durham, CT 06422-0428. Emailed application forms and supporting documentation will be accepted at mfrench@townofdurhamct.org.

State Office of Policy and Management guidance on “eligible taxpayers”, defined as follows:

  • Resident: Households that have suffered a reduction in income of at least 20% due to COVID-19. Since April 1, 2020, you have (1) been furloughed without pay; (2) had hours significantly reduced; or (3) been unemployed.

  • Business/Non-Profit Organization: revenue is expected to decrease at least 30% from October 2020 to January 2021 versus October 2019 to January 2020. Proof of Ownership must be attached such as a business license, utility bills, Secretary of State listing, or other proof of ownership.

Tax escrow payments are not eligible to be deferred. Landlords must meet additional requirements to be eligible per Executive Order 7-S & Executive Order 9R. This new EO does NOT apply to any back taxes or tax installments already subject to interest or legal action. This E.O. ONLY applies to the January 1, 2021 installment.


Martin French, CCMC Tax Collector - Town of Durham, CT