Prince William Extends Tax Deadline, Despite Concerns Over Bond Rating

Prince William County taxpayers having difficulty paying their personal property taxes got a temporary reprieve this week after the Board of County Supervisors extended the deadline for filing. 

The Board voted 6-1 on Tuesday to allow taxpayers an additional 45 days to pay the money—known as the "car tax"—which was due Monday. Brentsville District Supervisor Wally Covington proposed the resolution after a number of constituents told him that they were having trouble making the payments because of the federal government shutdown. 

"There's a lot of uncertainty when federal workers are going to get their next paycheck," Covington said, referring to the furloughs for non-essential workers. "I know Congress passed something saying they were going to eventually get it, but they didn't really give specific dates. I believe that this is a small thing that we can do. It will have a big impact on individual families that have need for this."

Taxes are now due Nov. 21. The 75 percent of taxpayers who have already paid their taxes will not receive refunds. 

The Board passed the motion despite strong objections by Chairman Corey Stewart (At-large) and county staff, who said the move could endanger the county's AAA bond rating. The rating allows the county to borrow at low interest rates.

"It's not a good move for the county, and I hope to God it doesn't result in a downgrade," Stewart said. "I don't think it will, but because of the chance that it will, this is a very foolish move although well-intentioned."

Other supervisors said they doubted the move would impact the county's rating, but more importantly, it was "the right thing to do."

"I think that we're sending a message that Prince William does care about its taxpayers," Covington said.