Tax, Utility Payment Deferment Guidelines Issued In Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — Wallingford Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. released guidelines this week on how the town will implement the state-ordered tax and utility deferment program for bills due Jan. 1, 2021.

Gov. Ned Lamont recently issued an executive order that gave towns the option to delay local property tax bills. Residents with tax, water, sewer and electric payments due on Jan. 1 will have until April 1 to pay without any penalty or interest, in accordance with the executive order.

All taxpayers and utility customers can make use of the program without applying, except for landlords of residential and commercial properties, according to Dickinson.

“The intent of the program is to provide additional time for pay for those having financial difficulties due to the state of emergency,” according to a news release from the mayor’s office. “Under the Executive Order, landlords must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to benefit from the program.”

Read more from the news release below:

Key Provisions of the Program:

1. This program is essentially an extended grace period program. The deadline to pay is extended. The tax or utility bill must still be paid.
2. It only applies to tax, water, sewer and electric payments due on Jan. 1, 2021.
3. It does not apply to any bills that are already delinquent as of Jan. 1 or due thereafter. Delinquent bills are still accruing applicable late fees or interest charges.
4. If your real estate taxes are escrowed and paid by your bank or mortgage company, the taxes shall be paid within the normal time period.

Mandatory Requirements for Landlords Only:

• Residential and Commercial landlords: You must apply for the deferment program. Applications are due no later than Jan. 22, 2021.
• Applications may be obtained on the town’s website or by requesting one from the comptroller. Applications can be submitted by emailing defprog@wallingfordct.gov; mailing to Comptroller, Department of Finance, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492 or faxing to Comptroller at 203-294-2293.